Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Request for Flood Relief Assistance to Sri Lanka

High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa, Canada wishes to draw the urgent attention of all Sri Lankan expatriate community and well-wishers to the recent disaster in Sri Lanka due to the severe floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall during the past few days. As a result, over 500,000 people have been affected in 15 districts at the moment. Please visit the Disaster Management Center (DMC) website: http://www.dmc.gov.lk/index_english.htm for regular situation updates.

The Ministry of Disaster Management is soliciting urgent material and financial assistance to provide immediate relief services to the affected population.

Sri Lanka seeks Assistance to handle the worsening flood situation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the Emergency Response Unit of the Ministry, to coordinate rescue and relief measures related to the flood situation in several parts of Sri Lanka. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management, has made an appeal to UN, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and neighboring countries to provide assistance to affected people, especially in the areas of search and rescue operations.

The Ministry will continue to monitor the flood situation and seek assistance as required in consultation with the Ministry of Disaster Management.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

26 May 2017

Minister Ravi Karunanayake assumes duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Having received his appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday 22 May 2017, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday morning, Thursday, 25 May 2017.

President Sirisena to undertake State Visit to Australia

President Maithripala Sirisena will undertake a state visit to Australia on 24-26 May 2017 at the invitation of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The visit takes place as both countries celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

UN Day of Vesak Conference & Celebrations

The UN Day of Vesak Conference will be held in Sri Lanka with 1600 participants from 85 countries from May 12^th to 14^th in Colombo and Kandy.

Some 750 international participants are expected from 85 countries, according to the Conference Secretariat.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ceremonially open the conference in Colombo and Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bandari will be the Chief Guest of the closing ceremony to be held in Kandy. President Maithreepala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and senior Cabinet ministers will also grace these occasions.