Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Canada, Harsha Kumara Navaratne called on the Chief of Protocol of Canada, Stewart Wheeler in Ottawa on 15^th October 2021 following his arrival in Canada on 14 October 2021.

The High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka, who was warmly welcomed by the Chief of Protocol of Canada, discussed issues of mutual importance and interest.

During the meeting, Mr. Navaratne referred to the speech made by His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapakse, President of Sri Lanka at the United Nations in New York recently, inviting everyone including the international community and all Sri Lankans living abroad to join hands to usher in peace, reconciliation, economic development and prosperity in Sri Lanka. Mr. Navaratne also stated that President Rajapakse had specially invited members of the Sri Lankan diaspora to have a dialogue with him and that he would lead this initiative.

In response, the Chief of Protocol spoke of the richness of multiculturalism and the contribution made to Canada by people from across the world who have made Canada their home. He also shared details of the various outreach programmes and activities organized by the Office of Protocol for Heads of Missions in Canada and invited Mr. Navaratne to join them.

The High Commissioner-designate thanked the Chief of Protocol for the opportunity and concluded by adding that he looked forward to further enhancing the warm ties shared between the two countries during his tenure in Canada.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

15 October 2021

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka, it has been decided to extend the validity period of all types of Visas issued to foreigners who are currently in Sri Lanka.

You are kindly requested to proceed as advised below.

1. The validity period of all types of Visas will be extended for a period of 30 days from 14^th March 2020 to 12^th April 2020 
2. Please visit the Visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration either on  08^th or 09^th April 2020 to pay the relevant fees and to obtain the visa endorsement on your Passport.
3. If you intend to leave Sri Lanka during the aforementioned period, your journey will be facilitated by paying the relevant visa fee at the Airport without any penalty.
4. The validity period of the Acknowledgement issued for applications already submitted to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to obtain visas, will also be extended for a period of 30 days with effect from 14^th March 2020 to 12^th April 2020. If you intend to leave the country during this time, a request to obtain your passport from the Department of Immigration and Emigration should be sent to the following E-mail addresses along with a copy of your air ticket. Necessary details in this regard will be communicated accordingly via the same channel.

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

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

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

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

v.       jithanieathukorala@gmail,com

 For inquiries:  +94771588724

You are kindly advised to refrain from visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration premises during the above period. Any inconvenience caused in this regard is regretted.

This notice is issued on the instructions of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Canada, Mr. Harsha Kumara Navaratne assumed duties at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa on 15^th October 2021. He was received upon arrival at the High Commission by the members of the staff.

Addressing the staff of the High Commission upon assumption of duties, High Commissioner-designate Mr. Navaratne outlined his priorities in Canada and the need to enhance political, economic and people to people ties. He also spoke of the importance in building on the reconciliation efforts underway in Sri Lanka and the need to work with all communities of Sri Lankan heritage. 

Continuing his remarks, Mr. Navaratne mentioned that the doors of the High Commission remains open to anyone looking for assistance and that all were committed to working actively in order to carry out their duties in their efforts to serve the people.

He outlined the need to highlight the potential available in Sri Lanka in order to encourage more trade and investment from Canada. 

The High Commissioner-designate also stated that the President of Sri Lanka had a new approach to promote Sri Lanka as a brand in North America in order to have mutual benefit. He also stated that as the West was focusing on Asia, Sri Lanka could be the peaceful entry into South, South East and East Asia. High Commissioner-designate Navaratne also stated that once he presents credentials, he would be traveling across Canada to meet like-minded groups in order to enhance cooperation and coordination. 

His assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organized by the staff of the High Commission along with milk rice and refreshments in keeping with Sri Lankan tradition. Mrs. D. A. K. Navaratne, spouse and Mrs. T. L Navaratne, the youngest daughter of the High Commissioner-designate, were also present on the occasion. 

High Commissioner-designate Mr. Navaratne has an illustrious and multifaceted career during which he has served as the Founder and Chairperson, Sevalanka Foundation, Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Chairperson, International Network of Engaged Buddhist (INEB), Headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Executive Member of Peace Prize Committee Niwano Peace Foundation, Tokyo, Japan and Film Producer.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

15 October 2021