Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

STATE MINISTRY OF REGIONAL COOPERATION LAUNCHES CREATIVE ECONOMY PROGRAMME

The State Ministry of Regional Cooperation has launched a “Creative Economy Programme” with the view towards contributing to the country’s economy and promoting Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The ‘creative economy’ is a rapidly expanding segment of the global economy and has made a crucial contribution towards generating employment, income and exports. Based on creativity, it encompasses all artistic, innovative and cultural products and services. It is also conducive to sustainable development.

Recognizing the contribution that regional cooperation could make towards developing the creative economy in Sri Lanka, State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya launched two inaugural initiatives under the “Creative Economy Programme” with Indonesia. The initiatives focus on the development of the batik industry in Sri Lanka and the promotion of the country’s unique architectural heritage.

The project to enhance Sri Lankan batiks has been launched in collaboration with the State Ministry of Batik, Fabric and Local Apparel Products, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Indonesia, the private sector batik manufacturers and SMESCO of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives of Indonesia. The objective of this initiative is to obtain Indonesian expertise to introduce new techniques to improve and develop the industry and to promote Sri Lanka’s batik products abroad. This initiative will also serve to generate employment, particularly to rural women and contribute to the export sector.

The second initiative seeks to promote Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage abroad. In this regard, a tour by some of Indonesia’s most prominent architects is planned to study the country’s architecture, including the renowned works of Geoffrey Bawa and his “tropical modernism” style. This initiative, while enhancing cultural cooperation, also seeks to build linkages between the architecture fraternities of the two countries and promote tourism.

Virtual discussions were held last week between Sri Lanka and Indonesia on these two initiatives. CEO of SMESCO Indonesia Leonard Theosobrata, as well as leading Indonesian architects participated at the event. State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia Yasoja Gunasekera, Director General of the State Ministry of Regional Cooperation Savitri Panabokke and representatives from the batik and architecture fields were among those who participated at the meeting.

State Ministry of Regional Cooperation
Colombo

18 May, 2021

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath assumes duties

Newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Vijitha Herath assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry today, 18 November 2024 at a simple ceremony. Senior officials of the Ministry were present on the occasion.

As a Member of Parliament, Minister Herath has represented the Gampaha District since 2000. At the recently concluded General election, he was re-elected, obtaining the highest ever number of preferential votes in Parliamentary election history, in Sri Lanka.

Minister Herath had also previously served as the Minister of Cultural Affairs & National Heritage, and immediately prior to re-election, he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Herath holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kelaniya.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

18 November 2024

THE MESSAGE OF H.E. GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA, PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA ON THE OCCASION OF RAMAZAN

High Commissioner Mohammed Jauhar Calls on the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in Toronto and Meets with Business Chambers and Community Leaders

High Commissioner U. L. Mohammed Jauhar undertook an official visit to Toronto recently, following the presentation of credentials to the Governor General of Canada, accrediting him as the High Commissioner to Canada. During the visit, the High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Edith Dumont and also met with business and community leaders.

High Commissioner Mohammed Jauhar took the opportunity to brief the Lt. Governor on the recent developments in Sri Lanka, including on the election of the new President and the forthcoming general elections. He expressed his desire to work with the Province of Ontario and the Government of the Province, in strengthening the link with Sri Lanka since it being the home for several thousands of Sri Lankan origin Canadians and residents and wished that they be partners of development of their regions in Sri Lanka.

Welcoming the High Commissioner, the Lt. Governor observed that the diversity of the residents in the province makes it stronger and adds value to the economy and culture. She appreciated in particular the contribution of Sri Lankan Canadians for the economic development and towards its multilateral fabric and hoped that they will help further strengthen the relations of the two countries. The Lt. Governor, with her vast experience in the field of education, appreciated provision of free education by the Government of Sri Lanka to all its citizens up to university level in the language of their choice.

High Commissioner Mohammed Jauhar visited several Sri Lankan religious places of worship in Toronto, where he paid his respects to the venerable clergy and discussed opportunities for enhanced collaboration with the community.

During the visit, the High Commissioner also engaged with Sri Lankan community leaders, representatives of business chambers, Sri Lankan associations during a reception hosted in by Consul General Thushara Rodrigo at the Consulate in Toronto. At the event, High Commissioner Mohammed Jauhar reiterated the new President's vision for unity and urged Sri Lankan Canadians to work together for the progress of Sri Lanka. He highlighted the importance of the Sri Lankan diaspora contributing to the nation's development, regardless of their ethnicity, religious affiliations or ideological differences, as citizens of Sri Lanka. He also held individual meetings with leaders of various associations to further strengthen ties with the community.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

28^th October 2024

SRI LANKA OPPOSES BILL 104 OF ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with the Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon at the Foreign Ministry today (10/05). The Minister conveyed the Government’s deep concerns on the passing of Private Member Bill 104 on ‘Tamil Genocide Education Week’ by the Ontario Legislative Assembly on 06 May 2021. The Minister explained that the Ontario Legislative Assembly makes a finding that ‘genocide’ has taken place in Sri Lanka contradicting the official position of the Government of Canada which had confirmed that it has not made a finding that there was a genocide in Sri Lanka. He sought immediate intervention of the Canadian government to stop Royal Assent by Hon. Lt. Governor of Ontario to the said Bill.

Joining the meeting, Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage elaborated on the potential harm the Bill 104 could cause to the reconciliation process, peace building and the bilateral relations at large.

The Foreign Minister, while thanking the Canadian Government for the continuous support extended to Sri Lanka on multiple fronts, also discussed with the High Commissioner on a wide range of bilateral issues.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

10 May 2021