Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Director General for South Asia, Global Affairs, Canada, Ambassador David Hartman who is on a bilateral visit to Sri Lanka, has reiterated the strong desire of the Canadian government to move the bilateral relationship forward with Sri Lanka to capitalize on the positive trajectory of Sri Lanka’s relationship with Canada.

At discussions in Colombo between Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and Ambassador Hartman on Monday 27 January 2020, the two sides agreed to work towards the early finalization of the MoU on Bilateral Consultations which will provide a mechanism for a structured dialogue on the bilateral partnership and will facilitate regular consultations.

While acknowledging the long-term Canadian development assistance as well as contribution towards national language programmes, demining and value chain related initiatives, Foreign Secretary Aryasinha emphasized the necessity to improve economic cooperation with Canada particularly with regard to trade and investment. Agriculture and vocational training and skills development were also identified as possible areas for further cooperation.

Accordingly, Canada and Sri Lanka have agreed to further intensify the bilateral partnership by building upon the ongoing cooperation as well as broadening the scope of engagement between the two countries.

Discussions also focused on reconciliation, the possible contribution of the multi-ethnic Sri Lankan expatriate community in Canada for developmental initiatives and initiatives relating to Foreign Relations Ministry’s economic diplomacy programme.

Ambassador Hartman was joined by Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon and Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Ms. Marie-Josée Rhéaume at the meeting, while senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Relations were associated with Foreign Secretary Mr. Aryasinha.

Ministry of Foreign Relations

Colombo

28 January 2020

Foreign Minister Prof. Peiris briefed the Indian Foreign Minister on the situation with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic and the successful measures being implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka to control the spread of the virus.

Minister Peiris further briefed the Foreign Minister about the pragmatic and tangible action taken by the government to resolve residual matters after the end of the conflict in May 2009, citing the fact that the Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry and Justice Ministry were working collaboratively to address key issues, such as revisiting the Prevention of Terrorism Act, releasing of LTTE prisoners, and empowering independent institutions such as the Office of Missing Persons, Office for Reparations, Office of National Unity and Reconciliation, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the SDG Council. Minister Peiris indicated that substantial progress had been made on many fronts and that efforts were continuing.

Foreign Minister Peiris further indicated that there is strong political will to move forward in many different areas of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister emphasised that Sri Lanka cannot accept any external mechanisms active on the ground, when robust domestic mechanisms are vigorously moving forward, stating that the nation was greatly encouraged by many countries standing firmly with the principled position taken by Sri Lanka that resolutions against countries cannot work without the consent of those countries. Both ministers agreed that bilateral relations between the two countries are of critical importance.

Minister Jaishankar indicated the need for a fair and just resolution of residual issues in the aftermath of the ethnic issues is in the interest of both countries. The Indian Foreign Minister indicated that our relations should not be limited to a single issue.  He further emphasised the need for a practical conclusion of the number of projects pending implementation, indicating that it would give more confidence to New Delhi to move forward in enhancing relations. Minister Jaishankar confirmed that India is willing to work with Sri Lanka in many different ways, including enhancing people to people contacts. The Minister also highlighted the need to engage with all stakeholders, including different political parties.

Both ministers agreed on the need to conclude pending agreements to fast-track relations between the two countries.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

23 September, 2021

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

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canada celebrated Thai Pongal on 19 January 2020 at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner amidst a large gathering.

 The celebrations commenced with a Welcome Address followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama, Mrs. Sudarma Girihagama, a representative of the Sri Lankan community in Ottawa and representatives of the Tamil community in Ottawa.

After the reading of the Thai Pongal message by H. E the President of Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Girihagama addressed the gathering.