Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

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/)

Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing nineteen countries of the Asia Pacific region in Canada gathered at the residence of Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner for Canada, Asoka Girihgama for the monthly luncheon of the group on 28^th October 2019.

The October luncheon which was hosted by the High Commissioner Girihagama was attended by the Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. As a part of the luncheon, Professor Elliot Tepper from Carlton University delivered an informative speech on the “challenges of the new Canadian Government: Internal and International” was followed by Q & A session. The luncheon which featured traditional Sri Lankan dishes served as an excellent opportunity for the Ambassadors and High Commissioners to discuss topics of relevance such as education, partnerships, economic and political issues.

The Asia Pacific Group of Ambassadors and High Commissioners luncheon is a monthly event that provides opportunities for Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing Asia Pacific region in Canada to network, share knowledge and collaborate on a regular basis. The October luncheon was the first luncheon of the group hosted in the year 2019 following the winter and summer breaks.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

30^th October 2018

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner for Canada, Asoka Girihagama visited the Sri Lanka Pavilion and met with the Sri Lankan delegation consisting representatives from ten Sri Lankan companies who were on a promotional Mission to Canada at the Grocery Innovations Canada Exhibition which took place at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto on 22^nd of October 2019.

Grocery Innovations Canada is the only show in Canada which comprehensively connects grocery professionals and retailers. The show was an excellent opportunity for Sri Lankan companies to build relationships with the Canadian grocery sector as it brings together all facets of the grocery trade together under one roof.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Toronto and Mr. Peter Murphy, Canadian Marketing Consultant had organized this promotional mission to Canada coinciding with the Grocery Innovations Canada exhibition in Toronto. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised of representatives from Sri Lanka Export Development Board, GP International Inc., Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd, Ecoma Organics Ltd, Bio Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samanala Natural Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Food & Nature (Pvt) Ltd, Jayalanka Suppliers, Sayaladu Coco Products (Pvt) Ltd, Waguruwela Oil Mills (Pvt) Ltd and Kandrick Tea Beverages Lanka. The Promotional Mission included a market orientation programme with a retail market visit, awareness sessions for Sri Lankan delegation and Sri Lanka product display pavilion themed “Island of Ingenuity” at the Grocery Innovations Canada Exhibition from 22^nd to 23^rd October 2019.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

24^th October 2019

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris stated that the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) has a vital role to play and can render yeoman service under the current circumstances to all its Member and Observer States, when the Executive Director of CICA Kairat Sarybay paid a courtesy call on the Minister in New York.

Minister Peiris emphasized that the work of CICA should be guided by its common objectives with focus being on the major challenges faced by its membership. The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to support the organization and believes that CICA would be able to offer the world many useful insights. The Minister also highlighted that all 27 Member States have robust institutions and sharing experiences and expertise would be an advantage as the world endeavors to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, education, vocational training, environmental issues, mitigating rural poverty, value-added exports and renewable energy are areas that CICA could vigorously pursue, stated the Foreign Minister. On the environmental front, he acknowledged that economic development at the cost of the environment is not sustainable and outlined the steps taken by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to promote a green economy with the shift from chemical based fertilizers to organic ones. Minister Peiris also reiterated that while it is important for countries to increase their GDP, it should be done in a manner that ensures equitable distribution and that the benefits trickle down to all communities, in particular the rural communities.

Executive Director Sarybay briefed the Minister on the activities of CICA and outlined its plans to establish a Council of Eminent Persons and the arrangements being made for the Ministerial meeting in October 2021. He stated that CICA would do its utmost to build confidence among the Member States. He believed this would lead to greater dialogue and cooperation resulting in enhanced development and security in the region. He appreciated the leading role played by Sri Lanka in offering expertise, particularly in the tourism sector at senior officials meetings, interactive sessions and other activities organized by CICA.

The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was established in 1992 and is a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. It is comprised of 27 Member States, 9 Observer States and 5 Observer organizations. Sri Lanka gained Observer status of CICA in 2012 and full membership in 2018.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

21 September 2021

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