Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

“Timelines evolved externally in achieving stated objectives would only seek to hinder the process of reconciliation since they would be bereft of ground realities” emphasized Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne during a one day debate at the UN Security Council titled “Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Transitional Justice in conflict and post-conflict situations,” held on 13^th February 2020.  She added that when seeking mechanisms of transitional justice, related simple theories would need to also take cognizance of the various historical, cultural and religious sensitivities.

Ambassador Senewiratne stated that the basic tenet of a transitional justice process is the application of its theoretical principles on State obligations and it is the State that needs to pursue truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence. She further explained that the post conflict milieu of each country is unique and those traversing the path of post-conflict transition and reconciliation have often made deliberate efforts to maintain a balance between the speed of the transitional justice process and desired standard which includes inclusiveness and the sustainability.

The Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) donated a consignment including PCR detection kits and 05 PCR machines for rapid testing valued at USD 450,000 to Sri Lanka. This generous contribution is in addition to previous donations of COVID 19 related medical equipment.

The donation from the Republic of Korea was handed over at a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo. Korean Ambassador Woonjin Jeong handed over the donation to Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage. The donation was thereafter handed over to Prof. Channa Jayasumana, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and Dr. R.M.S.K. Ratnayake, Secretary of the State Ministry.

Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea enjoy close ties of friendship and cooperation. Since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Republic of Korea has extended valuable COVID 19 related assistance to Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

06 October 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/korea-sl/)

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canada celebrated the 72^nd Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Sri Lanka on 4^th February 2020 amidst a large gathering at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner.

The National Day events commenced with the hoisting of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem of Sri Lanka. Thereafter, multi-faith religious observances by the venerable members of the Maha Sangha and respected religious dignitaries representing the Hindu, Islam and Catholic faiths were conducted to bestow blessings on Sri Lanka and the people of the country.

The National Day messages issued by H.E the President, the Hon. Prime Minister and the        Hon. Minister of Foreign Relations were read, followed by the address of Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama.

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

(https://mfa.gov.lk/saudi-ambassador-fm-sl/)