Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore facilitated a consignment of 50 BiPAP machines and 8 ventilators donated by the Temasek Foundation of Singapore to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to contain COVID-19.

The donation was presented at a symbolic ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage handed over the donation to State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana and Secretary of the State Ministry Dr. R.M.S.K.Rathnayake.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak the Temasek Foundation has made very significant donations of medical equipment to Sri Lanka. They also previously donated one million Livinguard face masks which were produced in Sri Lanka and were gifted for the use of frontline health workers. Temasek Foundation has continuously assisted Sri Lanka in education, healthcare and several other sectors.

The donation was made by the Temasek Foundation following the request made by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Sashikala Premawardena to Chief Executive Officer of the Temasek Foundation International Benedict Cheong. The donation was airlifted by courtesy of Sri Lankan Airlines and the financial support for logistical arrangements by the Sri Lanka Business Association (SLBA) in Singapore.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

23 November, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/donation-singapore/)

Please find the following information pertaining to receiving remittances from Sri Lanka.

• With  regard  to  foreign   remittances,  on  19th   March  2020  Foreign  Exchange Department   of  the Central  Bank issued a directive  to  Authorized   Dealers on  Release of  Foreign Currency  Notes for Travel  Purposes with a ceiling of  SD 5,000.(Annex I). Please note  that  this is not applicable and/or  arisen in the context of persons who  have already left Sri Lanka for short term visits.

• Therefore,  persons who  have gone  abroad  for  studies  (under  student  or equivalent  visas) or for medical  purposes  or on their  behalf,  persons in Sri Lanka are permitted to remit  funds from  Sri Lanka to cover expenses of university/tuition/training fees, living expenses, medical charges or as any related fees etc. through Authorized Dealers,that is already permitted asCurrent transactions under the Foreign Exchange Act (FEA).

• Further,on 9th April 2020 Central Bank issued a Press Release on"The Government and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Introduce Further Measures to Preserve the Foreign Currency Reserve Position of Sri Lanka"(Annex  II) which also clearly states that suspension is only on foreign currency remittances pertaining  to capital transactions and NOT current transactions.(i.e. for educational and medical purposes,living expenses,etc.)

• Persons who  have gone  abroad  for  pursuing  education  (i.e. students)  are recognized  as persons resident  in Sri Lanka for  the  purposes  of  FEA. Accordingly,such students can obtain Electronic Fund Transfer Cards (EFTCs) (i.e. credit debit cards)  from  Authorized   Dealers  in terms  of  the Directions  issued under  FEA to that  effect.

•  If  anyone  stranded   abroad   need  to  get  his/her  credit  limit  enhanced,  it  is a decision  of  the respective Authorized   Dealer and there are no credit  limits imposed  under  FEA on EFTCs.

•  Persons who have gone abroad for short term purposes (other  than  the  persons  who  have migrated  or those who  have left SL for employment   abroad)  are permitted  to  obtain  EFTCs from ADs for  making  payments  in foreign  exchange to  persons resident  outside  Sri Lanka in respect of personal nature current  transactions.

• Foreign currency  earners who  have to  repay loans in foreign  currency  and whose  incomes  have been  adversely affected due to the Covid-19 outbreak can obtain a  three(03)  months postponement of repayment of  loans.These borrowers   should contact   the respective banks before 30 Apr 2020.

         You may contact the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa on                    E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . if you require any further details.

        Sri Lanka High Commission

        Ottawa

        20.04.2020

The Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka Rita Manella met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday 22 November 2021 at the Foreign Ministry.

The discussion focused on issues of mutual interest including political relations; further consolidation of bilateral trade, investment and tourism ties; Sri Lanka – EU cooperation; and the exchange of visits.  The Italian Ambassador also referred to the promotion of cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy ina range of spheres including architecture, fashion design and Italian cuisine.

The Foreign Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Italian Ambassador for the support extended in facilitating the successful visit of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to Italy to participate as a special guest in the G20 Interfaith Forum 2021 in Bologna, in September.

The State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy Francesco Perale, and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

23 November, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/italy-ambassdor-fm-sl/)