Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe disruptions to the health, safety, and livelihoods of people around the world. Therefore, multilateralism and international cooperation provide the best possible means to effectively and sustainably defeat the pandemic.

It is equally important to conduct a comprehensive, inclusive, and impartial study on the origin of the virus.

Sri Lanka notes the leading role played by the World Health Organization (WHO) in this regard and the contents of the joint report of the WHO–convened Global Study released in March 2021.

Sri Lanka reiterates that the study on the origin tracing of SARS-Co-V-2 should be based on scientific and evidence-based methods and should not be politicized. The next phase of the study should reflect the key findings of the previous WHO-led joint study report.

Sri Lanka will continue to constructively engage with all international partners to find amicable and comprehensive solutions to unresolved issues in this regard.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

8 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/origins-covid-19/)

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa participated at the International Tourism and Travel Show which took place at the Place Bonaventure in Montreal from 25^th to 27^th October 2019. This is the 4^th consecutive year Sri Lanka has participated at this show.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner for Canada, Asoka Girihagama inaugurated the Sri Lanka Pavilion which carried Sri Lanka tourism’s new branding identity “So Sri Lanka” along with visuals showcased tourist attractions which illustrates the rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, wildlife and beaches of Sri Lanka. Mr. Viranga Bandara, Assistant Director of Sri Lankan Tourism Promotion Bureau and several travel industry representatives also participated at this event.

The event attracted 36,250 prospective travellers who were planning their travel to new destinations and seeking expert advice on future holiday destinations. More than one hundred countries were represented at this event through their tourism offices, tour operators and travel agents.

According to the Annual Statistical Report of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 52,681Canadian tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2018, which is a 12% increase in the tourists’ arrivals from Canada to Sri Lanka compared to 2017. It is anticipated that Sri Lanka’s participation at this year’s show would further enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism potential in the Canadian market.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canada

 01^st November 2019

The Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka Rita Giuliana Manella paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Thursday 2 September at the Foreign Ministry.

The Ambassador extended her warm felicitations to Minister Peiris on his recent appointment as Foreign Minister.  Minister Peiris appreciated the strong, friendly, mutually beneficial partnership existing between Sri Lanka and Italy spanning political, economic and cultural relations.  The potential for further expansion of trade and investment ties, tourism and people-to-people contacts were discussed.

The Foreign Minister alluded to the positive contribution by the Sri Lankan community in Italy towards economic and cultural enrichment of both countries, as well as the recorded history of strong diplomatic ties that existed between Sri Lanka and Rome since 1st century AD.

Minister Peiris apprised the Italian Ambassador on Sri Lanka’s regional and multilateral engagements, and it was agreed to continue close dialogue and cooperation on matters of mutual interest.  Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

04 September, 2021

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

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