Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

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". 

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

It was a pleasure meeting the new High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Canada, H.E. Asoka Girihagama this evening. He was the Chief Guest at the Annual General Meeting of the 35-year old Sri Lanka United National Association or SLUNA as it is popularly known throughout the world. SLUNA prides itself as the second oldest Sri Lankan socio-cultural organization formed in Canada. Its roots go back to 1983 following the ethnic unrest in Sri Lanka. A lot of progressive work has been undertaken by SLUNA since 1983 and stands today as a formidable organization by Sri Lankans for Sri Lanka.

The oldest Sri Lankan socio-cultural organization in Canada is the Canada-Sri Lanka Association (CSLA) that was formed in 1968.

The AGM was held in Toronto on Saturday, November 24th attended by a large coterie of members. Prathap Perera was his dynamic self as Master of Ceremonies. By unanimous assent, the same board of management were re-elected to office. Sarath Lokuliyana was ushered in for a second term as president of SLUNA while Keerthi Perera regained his position as General Secretary. The only change to the management structure was the election of Prathap Perera as Executive Vice President of SLUNA. Status-quo was restored with the rest of the Board of Management officers. A few community leaders were invited for the event as special guests and participated in the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. It was also an opportunity for them to meet and greet the new High Commissioner.