Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana has called on Sri Lankan diplomats to boost the image of Sri Lanka overseas through efficient and effective execution of public diplomacy, utilizing its intrinsic brands such as Buddhism, gems, tea, spices, high-end export products and the warmth of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality.

Minister Marapana made these remarks at the certificate awarding ceremony on Friday (11 January) of the two-week long Public Diplomacy and Media Relations training programme, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its officials in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) with a view to enhancing their public diplomacy and media relations skills. The programme was attended by the officers of the 2018 intake of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service and a group of mid-level officers serving in the Ministry.

This was the first time in two decades that the Ministry organized a professional training programme dedicated to public diplomacy and media relations for its officials.

Read more: Foreign Minister Marapana calls on Sri Lankan diplomats to boost the image of Sri Lanka overseas through effective execution of public diplomacy

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama on the invitation of the Sri Lanka-Canada Association Ottawa (SLCAO), was the Chief Guest at the Sri Lankan Community Festive Dinner Dance held at the St. Isidore Church Hall in Kanata on 5^th January 2019.

In his addressed at the event, High Commissioner Girihagama stated that the SLCAO which began functioning 43 years ago with about 138 members is a well established community organization in Ottawa. He noted that the Association has been carrying out many charitable activities including helping flood victims in Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner also commended the Senior Group of the SLCAO for the various events they have continued to conduct including meditation, religious programmes, etc for their members.

Read more: High Commissioner Asoka Girihagama graces SLCAO Community event in Ottawa

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama participated in special religious observances organized separately by the three Buddhist temples in Ottawa consisting of the Ottawa Buddhist Vihara, Hilda Jayewardenaramaya and the Ottawa Theravada Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Center in Orleans, during the course of 1^st January 2019.

High Commissioner Girihagama in his address at the temples, in the Sinhala and English languages, expressed his appreciation to the Chief Incumbents for their commitment in carrying out their religious duties with limited facilities and funds. He appreciated the weekly religious programmes, such as Dhamma schools, meditation classes and religious discussions etc., conducted by the three temples.

Read more: High Commissioner Asoka Girihagama participates at religious observances to invoke blessings for the New Year

The Sri Lanka High Commission held a special ceremony at the chancery on 2nd January 2019 to ceremonially commence work for the year 2019.

The event commenced with the High Commissioner Asoka Girihagama hoisting the National Flag of Sri Lanka, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Two minutes of silence was observed to commemorate the war heroes and others who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland. Thereafter, the staff took an Oath of Public Service to affirm their commitment to serving the public.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Girihagama extended his warm wishes for the New Year and appreciated the achievements of the Mission during the year 2018. He requested the continuous dedication of the staff in order to serve the public, to strengthen bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Canada and play a pivotal role in reaching the Government’s developmental goals.

The ceremonial event concluded with traditional Sri Lankan refreshments.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

2nd January 2019

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama and staff members attended the Christmas celebrations organized by the Ottawa Sri Lankan Catholic Prayer Group and addressed the invitees on 22^nd December 2018.

At the celebration that was held at the St. John the Apostle Church, High Commissioner Girihagama commended the Ottawa Sri Lankan Catholic Prayer Group for their dedication in bringing the community together to celebrate Christmas, which is celebrated in many parts of the world.  He noted that Christmas is not only religious event and it has cultural dimensions which strengthen bonds between family members as well as communities.  High Commission participates and encourages religious and cultural events such as Thai Pongal, Avurudu, Vesak, Eid, Deepavali and Christmas annually to bring harmony, peace and friendship among the communities.

Read more: High Commissioner Asoka Girihagama attends Christmas celebrations in Ottawa

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama met Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, senior member of the Federal Parliament from the ruling Liberal Party and the Chair of the Canada - Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, on 12^th December 2018.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Girihagama briefed Hon. Ratansi on the current political situation in Sri Lanka, bilateral relations between Sri Lanka - Canada, reconciliation and democracy.

The High Commissioner also discussed the need to further enhance the promotion of trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Canada and referred to Hon. Ratansi’s visit to            Sri Lanka in March 2017, when she led the Canada – Sri Lanka Business Convection 2017 delegation with 21 business leaders and two Canadian Members of Parliament. MP Ratansi visited Sri Lanka again when she led a delegation of Canadian Parliamentarians to Sri Lanka as the Chair of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in November 2017.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

12^th December 2018

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama called on Hon. Dr. Donald Bobiash, Assistant Deputy Minister/Asia Pacific of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development (DFATD) of Canada, on 6^th December 2018.

During the call, the High Commissioner and the Assistant Deputy Minister discussed wide ranging issues, including issues of bilateral importance, economic cooperation, tourism and development assistance, between the two countries.

The meeting was the first official interaction High Commissioner Girihagama had with Assistant Deputy Minister Dr. Bobiash, following his presentation of credential to Governor General Julie Payette of Canada at a ceremony held at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa on 13^th November 2018.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

6^th December 2018