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Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa
SRI LANKA URGES FOREIGN STATES TO EXTEND VISAS OF VISITING SRI LANKANS
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha has requested foreign governments to facilitate the appropriate extension of visas for Sri Lankans currently visiting their countries, and facing difficulty to return to Sri Lanka on account of the travel bans that have and will become applicable as part of the control measures on COVID- 19. He noted that the Government of Sri Lanka had on Tuesday (17 March) announced a one-month extension of all types of visas for those foreign nationals presently in the country, from the date of expiry of their present visas. He said such reciprocal arrangements were a common practice, and hoped that this could be facilitated for Sri Lankans, to minimize the anxieties faced by those travelling, in these exceptional times.
Foreign Secretary Aryasinha made these observations today (18 March), when he addressed a group of Ambassadors from Western Hemisphere, as part of the series of briefing sessions to keep the diplomatic community informed of the developments with regard to measures taken by Sri Lanka to control the spread of COVID-19.
While appreciating the supportive role played by the respective governments on assisting the Sri Lankan communities in their countries, the Foreign Secretary shared with the envoys present, the current status regards foreign nationals in Sri Lanka and some difficulties experienced by Sri Lankans overseas. He said, recognizing the concerns at present, all Sri Lanka diplomatic outposts now serve as emergency response units, where only limited consular and other services are continued to be offered amid the current challenges.
Concerns of foreign missions in Colombo over their citizens, facilities at the quarantine centres, and proper communication channels, were effectively responded to by the local stake holders present. The meeting also reached consensus on the smooth departure of foreign nationals, notwithstanding the closure of the airport for those seeking to enter Sri Lanka.
The envoys expressed appreciation for the efforts of the government in handling the situation, including extension of visas for their nationals, and assured that the request to reciprocate the same for Sri Lankans travelling in their countries will be communicated to their respective governments.
SRI LANKA- SAUDI ARABIA COOPERATION IN MULTIPLE SPHERES EMPHASIZED DURING COURTESY CALL ON FOREIGN MINISTER G.L. PEIRIS BY THE AMBASSADOR OF SAUDI ARABIA
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris welcomed the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka Abdul Nasser Al Harthy, at the Foreign Ministry on 01 October 2021.
The Foreign Minister extended his warm greetings and recalled the excellent, long-standing friendly relations that exist between the two countries and acknowledged with gratitude, the courtesies extended by the Saudi Arabian Government to the Sri Lankan Muslim community during the Hajj annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims and also for the annual date donation to Sri Lanka during the holy month of Ramadan.
Minister Peiris expressed his sincere appreciation for the understanding and support of Saudi Arabia at several international forums. This support had been consistent over a significant period of time and was founded on a principled position. This principled stance was based on three deeply held beliefs shared by Sri Lanka. Firstly, the unique identity and dignity of each nation state and its culture must be respected. Secondly, national institutions and structures must be given the full plenitude of space needed to discharge their respective mandates. Lastly, that human rights should not be misused as an instrument to justify undue intervention in or interference with the internal affairs of states.
The Minister also appreciated Saudi Arabia for hosting Sri Lankan migrant workers, and emphasized that employment opportunities for Sri Lankans have helped both countries in their economic advancement. He encouraged Saudi Arabia to provide increased opportunities for Sri Lankans in skilled and professional categories. He also thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for the assistance provided for the repatriation of Sri Lankan migrant workers during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Minister also noted with gratitude the contribution made by the Saudi Fund for Development in Sri Lanka’s national development.
The Ambassador assured the Minister that Saudi Arabia continues to attach importance to its bilateral partnership with Sri Lanka and looked forward to further expand the bilateral relations in the priority areas identified by Sri Lanka once the Covid-19 situation is normalized.
Tharaka Balasuriya, State Minister of Regional Cooperation was also associated at the meeting.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
06 October 2021
Foreign Ministry facilitates outward movement of foreign nationals
Arrangements are being made for the smooth return of foreign nationals who are presently in Sri Lanka on tourist and other visa categories. This will be done using both regular flight movements operating through Sri Lanka and also charter flights that may be deployed, as the airport remains open for outbound passenger movements.
Modalities to facilitate these movements were was discussed today at a meeting chaired by Secretary Foreign Relations, Ravinatha Aryasinha. The meeting was attended by the Ambassadors representing the western hemisphere as well as representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Police Department, Department of Immigration, Airport and Aviation Services, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Civil Aviation and Sri Lankan Airlines.
In view of the curfew which has been imposed, the Acting Inspector General of Police has assured that the air ticket could be used in lieu of a curfew pass for the passengers as well as the vehicle and driver that would be transporting the passengers. Chairman SLTPB said reputed taxi networks and hoteliers have been requested to assist in these movements.
During the meeting, the diplomats present drew attention to the continuing difficulties faced by their nationals presently in the country on account of negative reactions experienced by tourists on some occasions from both owners of tourist lodgings as well as sections of the general public. The Sri Lankan agencies present emphasized that public measures would be taken to ensure Sri Lanka’s traditional hospitality to foreign nationals in these difficult circumstances.
Special telephones lines have been set up to ensure that such instances will be reported promptly and dealt with.
Special contact facilities have also been provided to those foreign nationals who are being moved to the quarantine centres.
Following the appeal made by Sri Lanka earlier this week, the representatives of several governments informed that they had taken steps to extend visas of Sri Lankans abroad whose visas would have or will expire shortly. The Foreign Ministry was assured by the other countries that its request was receiving the highest consideration in other capitals. Earlier, Sri Lanka extended visas for all visiting foreign nationals by one month.
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Colombo
20 March 2020
EGYPTIAN ENVOY IN COLOMBO BIDS FAREWELL
The outgoing Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Hussein Abdelhamid El Saharty paid a farewell call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry, on 01 October 2021.
Acknowledging the contributions of Ambassador Saharty during his tenure, Minister Peiris recalled with a sense of appreciation the role played by Egypt in the Non-Aligned Movement where Sri Lanka was also an active member and acknowledged the relevance of the values of the NAM in today’s world.
Taking stock of the bilateral engagements, the Minister highlighted the need for strengthening cooperation in the spheres of Tourism and Trade, given the expertise of both countries in these fields and the fact that Ceylon Tea enjoys a prominent place among tea lovers of Egypt. The Ambassador noted that following the bilateral consultations held last year the volume of Ceylon Tea imported into Egypt has increased and assured that ways and means will be explored to improve bilateral trade in other areas of interest too.
Minister Peiris expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for their statement on the Oral Update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights during the General Debate where Egypt commended the efforts being made by the Government for the promotion and protection of human rights in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador, sharing Egypt’s own experience in combating terrorism and extremism, underlined the importance of working together as likeminded nations towards safeguarding national interests
The Minister added that the continuation of the functions of the Office of Missing Persons, Office of Reparation and the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation sanctioned by the new Government is reflective of the consistency the Government wishes to maintain towards addressing issues and reaching out to people as well as bringing in reconciliation and transitional justice, and that these genuine efforts should not be allowed to be aborted by selective application of human rights as a pretext for intervention in the internal affairs of states.
The Minister congratulated and extended his best wishes to Ambassador Saharty who is due to assume duties in the Foreign Ministry in Cairo as the Deputy Assistant Minister of Non-Governmental Organizations.
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
06 October, 2021
PROVIDING CONSULAR SERVICES TO PUBLIC BY THE FOREIGN MINISTRY
While adhering to the prevailing Health Guidelines, the Consular Affairs Division 2nd Floor, Ceylinco Building) of the Foreign Ministry has started providing consular services to the walking customers with effect from Monday, 04 October 2021, from 7.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on working days.
Service seekers are also encouraged to obtain online appointments via the link: http://consular.mfa.gov.lk/ONLINEBOOKING
In addition, the following Regional Consular Offices are also open to serve the public during the office hours on working days. Those who are residing in the respective provinces and neighboring areas are encouraged to visit the following Regional Consular Offices to obtain their services.
- Matara – Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Pamburana, Matara, 041-2226697
- Jaffna - Jaffna District Secretariat, 021-2215972
- Kandy - Mahinda Rajapaksa Information Technology Center, 081-2384410
- Kurunegala - Department of Child and Probation Care, 037-2225931
- Trincomalee - Chief Secretary’s Office, 026-2223186
For more details, you may contact the Consular Affairs Division via;
Authentication & Verification of certificates/documents: Tel- 2338812/7711194
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sri Lankans death in abroad: 2338836/3136715
Compensation with regard to Sri Lankans death in abroad: 2437635/7101193
Repatriation of Stranded Sri Lankans: 2338837
Overseas Sri Lankans Affairs: 2338847
Miscellaneous: 2338843
Other Section: 2335942
Foreign Ministry
Colombo
06 October 2021
(https://mfa.gov.lk/consular-services-fm/)
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