Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The High Commissioner and the Consul General attended a Meeting with Sri Lankan expatriates at Brampton Buddhist Temple

The High Commissioner, Asoka Girihagama and the Consul General, Kapila Jayaweera attended a Meeting with Sri Lankan expatriates at Brampton Buddhist Temple on 27^th July.

Around 100-120 Sri Lankan community members attended the meeting held in the temple’s sermon hall with the participation of the chief incumbent and other two monks. High Commissioner Girihagama explained the purpose of the meeting and briefed them on the activities of the High Commission and the Consulate, trade between the two countries, development projects, areas of cooperation and political issues that are currently being handled by the Mission and the Post including genocide allegations.

The Consul General, Mr. Kapila Jayaweera addressing the gathering explained the services rendered by the Consulate General office and issues that have impacted on Sri Lanka along with the action taken by the Mission and the Consulate.

The High Commissioner and the Consul General clarified various issues raised by the community members, which are related to dual citizenship, current trade activities, pension, genocide allegations and strategy to counter it. The chief incumbent and the organizers of the meeting appreciated the efforts of the High Commission and the Consulate to brief them on the current political scenario highlighted the importance of keeping them informed of the Mission’s and Consulate General Office’s activities.

NORWEGIAN AMBASSADOR PAYS COURTESY CALL ON FOREIGN MINISTER

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Sri Lanka Trine Jøranli Eskedal paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday 30 August 2021 at the Foreign Ministry.

During discussions, Foreign Minister Peiris appreciated the mutually beneficial partnership existing between Sri Lanka and Norway, and reiterated the country’s interest to further strengthen cooperation in spheres of synergy and mutual interest.

Ambassador Eskedal elaborated on areas of bilateral interest with emphasis on Norwegian development cooperation, investment in renewably energy, and cooperation in the fishery sector, where Sri Lanka continues to benefit from Norwegian technical expertise and collaboration. She referred to the potential for investment partnerships with Norway in renewable energy.

The Ambassador Eskedal highlighted strong collaboration in the fishery sector as a cornerstone of the Sri Lanka – Norway partnership. Reference was made in this regard to research and development collaboration in marine resources, and support towards the development of an ocean strategy.

Reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to climate action, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including transfer to a renewable energy mix, Minister Peiris welcomed technical collaboration with Norway in green energy.

Minister Peiris also welcomed Norwegian scientific and technical cooperation in aqua research and the blue economy, and investment by the prestigious Norwegian Pension Fund in Sri Lanka’s share market. Reference was made to the potential to further expand cooperation in Information Communication Technology (ICT), tourism, education technology, and value addition in the gem and jewellery industry.

The Foreign Minister apprised the Ambassador on Sri Lanka’s regional and multilateral engagement. Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

31 August 2021

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

High Commissioner Girihagama and Consul General Jayaweera participated in the 7th Annual Pilgrimage to Martyr’s Shrine – Sri Lanka Day by the Canada – Sri Lanka Catholic Association Ontario

The High Commissioner, Asoka Girihagama and the Consul General, Kapila Jayaweera participated in the 7^th Annual Pilgrimage to Martyr’s Shrine – Sri Lanka Day organized by the Canada – Sri Lanka Catholic Association Ontario on 27^th July

The 7^th Annual Pilgrimage to Martyr’s Shrine – Sri Lanka Day, a Sri Lankan Catholic religious event was attended by over 300 Sri Lankan community members. Reverend Bishop Maxwell Silva has been invited from Sri Lanka to the function this year.

The High Commissioner addressing the gathering highlighted the importance of religious and cultural harmony and unity among the communities. He noted that the Sri Lankan community in Canada had paid their tribute to the victims of the Easter Sunday attack by organizing religious events in various cities in Canada and that underscored the importance of such religious and cultural events to bring the community members together irrespective of their differences.

SRI LANKA SEEKS SAFETY OF TRAVELLERS FROM AFGHANISTAN

Sri Lanka continues to monitor the developments in Afghanistan and remains concerned about the situation, including its humanitarian aspect.

Sri Lanka has been facilitating, with the assistance of its international partners, evacuation of its citizens from Afghanistan. As of 30th August 2021, sixty six (66) Sri Lankans have been evacuated and seven (07) more remain to be evacuated while twenty-one (21) Sri Lankans have opted to remain in Afghanistan for the time being.

Sri Lanka hopes that all those who possess travel authorization from other countries will be allowed to proceed in a safe and orderly manner to the points of departure and travel out of Afghanistan.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

30 August, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-afghan-2/)

High Commissioner and the Consul General participate in the Annual General Meeting of Ontario Sri Lankan Pensioners Association (OSPA)

The High Commissioner and the Consul General attended the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Pensioners Association (OSPA) on 26^th July at the Banquet Hall, Miracle Family Temple, and Scarborough, Ontario. Around 150 pensioners attended the meeting in which issues and grievances of the Sri Lankan pensioners were discussed.

The pensioners submitted their issues in writing to the President of the OSPA. The President (OSPA) will forward those issues to the High Commission through the Consulate General office in Toronto for forwarding them to DG/Pensions. The Secretary of OSPA, Mr. R. Ragupathy while appreciating the participation of the High Commissioner and the Consul General, expressed their expectation in resolving their pension issues by the Department of Pension at the earliest.