Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and Burundi

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Upon the signing of the Agreement by H.E. Dr. Amrith Rohan Perera, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations and H.E. Mr. Albert Shingiro, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Burundi to the United Nations on 11^th March 2019 in New York, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Burundi decided to establish Diplomatic Relations between the two countries with effect from 11^th March 2019.

The establishment of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Burundi would enhance the existing friendly relations and cooperation in the political, socio-economic and cultural fields for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo.

Sri Lanka ready to share its experience in comprehensive demining as a 'best practice' with other countries

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha has said Sri Lanka stands ready to share its experience in comprehensive demining as a 'best practice' with countries which are facing similar challenges. Noting that "Sri Lanka’s continuing progress in demining has been achieved by telescoping what according to some estimates was to take 15 – 20 years, into one of 5 – 7 years duration, he said this was not only a rewarding experience for our people as they now move about freely across the country, but also a positive lesson for other conflict affected countries, where nationally owned and nationally driven programmes could achieve their intended purposes, if the necessary political commitment, resolve and pragmatic vision is put in place".

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana reaffirms commitment to consolidate the Sri Lanka –Cyprus bilateral engagement and officially inaugurates the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Nicosia

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Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advance and broaden the scope of the bilateral engagement with Cyprus, when he met the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides for discussions last week. This was the first official visit to Cyprus undertaken by a Sri Lankan Foreign Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1963.

During the visit, he called on H.E. Nicos Anastasiades, President of the Republic of Cyprus, and met with the Minister of Labour, Welfare, and Social Insurance Zeta Emilianidou. Foreign Ministers Marapana and Christodoulides together, inaugurated the office of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Nicosia at a formal ceremony on 28 February 2019.

The discussions between Minister Marapana and his Cypriot counterpart Christodoulides reviewed ongoing bilateral activities with a special focus on increasing cooperation in the labour, tourism, education and agriculture sectors, including SMEs development. Foreign Minister Christodoulides assured Minister Marapana that the Government of Cyprus was ready to address and resolve key outstanding matters related to Sri Lankan workers employed in Cyprus. Both sides welcomed the proposal to convene political consultations in January 2020 to review progress in the agreed areas of enhanced cooperation.

WORLD RECOGNITION TO THE TRIPITAKA

New Honorary Consuls for Sri Lanka appointed in Canada

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Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Canada, M.A.K. Girihagama, handed over the Commission of Appointment issued by the Government and Sri Lanka and the Exequatur granted by Canada to three Honorary Consuls for Sri Lanka who were appointed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick at a ceremony held at the High Commission premises on 4^th March 2019.

The Honorary Consuls who received their documents are: Mr. Phil Roberts for Calgary, Alberta, Mr. Malcolm A.C. Pinto for Halifax, Nova Scotia and Dr. Sameera Jayasena for St. John, New Brunswick.