Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The Chargé d’Affaires of Romania, resident in Colombo, Ambassador Victor Chiujdea, met Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Friday, 19 March at the Foreign Ministry. The parties reviewed bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres, with a focus on trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and agriculture.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to further consolidating the warm and friendly relations between the two countries spanning sixty four years, Foreign Minister Gunawardena reiterated the intent of the Government to open a resident Mission of Sri Lanka in Romania in the near future.

The Minister appreciated Romania’s partnership with Sri Lanka in the provision of employment opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals in a range of sectors, and welcomed the potential to further expand this cooperation in the future. Ambassador Chiujdea reaffirmed Romania’s interest to broaden cooperation in the employment sector, and indicated that Sri Lankan workers are held in high esteem in Romania, due to their superior skills and adaptability.

The parties focused on the expansion of bilateral trade and investment opportunities, including greater utilization of the EU GSP+ facility, and cooperation in the tourism sector, given the increasing trend of tourist arrivals from Romania to Sri Lanka, and to South Asia.

The discussion also covered review of shared interests in the regional and multilateral spheres, the exchange of high level visits, as well as identification of potential sectors for future cooperation.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

23 March 2021

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with the Afghanistan Ambassador in Sri Lanka Ashraf Haidari on 19 March 2021, at the Foreign Ministry for bilateral discussions.

Ambassador Haidari provided a briefing to Foreign Minister Gunawardena on the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan and conveyed his country’s aspirations for a successful outcome. While wishing Afghanistan to achieve durable peace and security, Foreign Minister Gunawardena unequivocally condemned the recent acts of terrorism in Kabul, which resulted in several civilians deaths.

The two dignitaries agreed to continue the current momentum of bilateral engagements with their strong commitment for enhanced relations. As an immediate step, Minister Gunawardena and Ambassador Haidari agreed to commence the Foreign Office Political Consultations by concluding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding next month, which the Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka already endorsed. There was consensus that expeditious action would be taken in respect of the other bilateral instruments, which include an Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, an Air Services Agreement and two MoUs respectively on Diplomatic Visa Waiver and Defence Cooperation.

Both sides shared the sentiment that being close neighbours, as well as Members of the SAARC, the future potential in trade and economic cooperation must be explored through the relevant trade chambers in the two countries. Ambassador Haidari invited Sri Lanka side to explore the high potential areas for bilateral trade, including tea, gem and jewellery, dry fruits, nuts and cereals, while proposing to establish direct aviation connectivity between the two countries.

Further, Ambassador Haidari invited Minister Gunawardena to undertake an official visit to Afghanistan, including to the regions of Buddhist heritage, such as Bamiyan.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 March 2021

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with Pakistan High Commissioner Major General (Retd.) Muhammad Saad Khattak on 16 March 2021 at the Foreign Ministry to further discuss the avenues to expand the bilateral relationship pursuant to the recent visit to Sri Lanka by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Both sides agreed to expeditiously implement the projects which were announced during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan, including the setting up of mobile libraries donated by Pakistan and the offer of additional hundred medical scholarships to Sri Lankan students.

Minister Gunawardena, while welcoming the offer by Pakistan to open Buddhist pilgrim sites for Sri Lankans, conveyed that the aviation sector, along with Sri Lanka tourism would announce Pakistan - Sri Lanka sector travel packages soon. The Pakistan High Commissioner invited Buddhist monks, journalists and academics to undertake familiarization visits to Pakistan to witness the diversity of well-preserved Buddhist heritage sites.

High Commissioner Khattak extended an invitation for Minister Gunawardena to attend the Pakistan National Day celebrations on 23 March 2021 in Colombo.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

17 March 2021

Recent media reports have highlighted statements made in regard to a proposal to ban the wearing of the burqa and niqab in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage has said that a decision has not been taken by the Government to impose such a ban and it is merely a proposal, which is under discussion. This proposal has been based on the precautionary measures that are needed on national security grounds, following the investigations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on Easter Sunday attacks.

The Government will initiate a broader dialogue with all parties concerned and sufficient time will be taken for necessary consultations to be held and for consensus to be reached.

16 March 2021

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing became aware of the misuse of the image of  Sri Lanka flag on “Non-Slip Doormat” produced in China.

Immediately upon receiving the information, the Embassy informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and requested it to take action to stop the production of door mats and any such products, misusing the Sri Lanka flag. The company which marketed the product on Amazon was requested by letter from the Embassy to immediately cease selling the door mats and any such products, misusing the Sri Lanka flag. The advertisement has been removed from Amazon now.

This Embassy is closely monitoring this matter and will take appropriate action through the relevant authorities in China to stop the production and selling of any product with the image of Sri Lanka the flag.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing

13 March 2021

Foreign Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena with Foreign Secretary, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage will lead the ceremonial launch of the Regional Consular Office in Trincomalee on Saturday, 13 March 2021 at 2.00pm to give impetus to the National Policy Framework of the Government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ by strengthening the productivity of providing services to the public.

The opening of the Consular Office will allow the general public in the Eastern Province and adjacent areas to obtain a range of consular services, without having to travel to the Consular Division of the Foreign Ministry in Colombo.

With the establishment of the Regional Consular Office, the general public will be able to obtain a range of consular services such as attestation of birth, marriage and death certificates as well as educational certificates for their use abroad; extending assistance to family members of Sri Lankans who may be stranded abroad; facilitation of redress and compensation claims of families of migrant workers; and repatriation of human remains from abroad.

Regional Consular Office of the Foreign Ministry

Address : Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Inner Harbour Road, Trincomalee

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4.15pm

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

11 March 2021