Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met the Colombo-based senior diplomatic representation of the European Union (EU) on Friday, 09 April 2021 at the Foreign Ministry, and apprised them on political and economic developments in Sri Lanka.  The Minister updated the envoys of ongoing processes, including the constitutional reform process, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and on progress related to the implementation of reconciliation mechanisms, among other issues.

The meeting was interactive and also entailed a discussion on EU-Sri Lanka cooperation, including trade, investment and development cooperation, and plans underway to convene the scheduled Sri Lanka-EU Joint Commission Sub-committees following the convening of the 23rd Meeting of the Sri Lanka-EU Joint Commission in January 2021.  Measures in place for the revival of tourism in Sri Lanka in the COVID -19 /post-COVID -19 context, and the Government of Sri Lanka health protocols related to quarantine were also discussed.

The Ambassador of France Eric Lavertu; the Ambassador Italy Rita Mannella, the Chargé d’Affaires of Romania Ambassador Victor Chiujdea; as well as the Deputy Heads of Mission of Germany, the Netherlands and the EU participated in the meeting.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

10 April 2021

The Foreign Ministry is pleased to inform that a gazette notification to recruit 40 eligible candidates to join the Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS) is now published.

The Gazette Notification No. 2,223 dated 9 April 2021 can be accessed at http://www.documents.gov.lk/files/gz/2021/4/2021-04-09(I-IIA)E.pdf.

Members to the Foreign Service are selected every few years through an open competitive recruitment exam conducted by the Department of Examinations as per the rules and regulations formulated by the Public Service Commission, which is the appointing authority of SLFS Officers.

The successful applicants who are selected to join the Service will have the opportunity to serve in the Foreign Ministry and will have the privilege of representing Sri Lanka in 67 Sri Lanka Missions abroad.

The Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS) is a distinct public service in Sri Lanka established in 1949. It is the body of career diplomats of Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

09 April 2021

Under the directive of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Foreign Ministry reviewed the entry procedure today, 06 April 2021, as a measure of relief for prospective Lankan returnees.

Under the new procedure, Sri Lankans, dual citizens who travel on Sri Lankan passports, spouses and unmarried children of Sri Lankans, who are foreigners, and Sri Lankan seafarers arriving by air will be permitted to enter into Sri Lanka without prior approval of the Foreign Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority.

The responsibility of maintaining a manageable number of passenger arrivals has however been entrusted with the Civil Aviation Authority, who will, through the respective airlines, regulate the numbers in a manner that would cope with the local capacities of quarantining and other logistics required.

All arriving passengers will be required to strictly adhere to health protocols and guidelines that are effective at the time of arrival.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

06 April 2021

High Commissioner Harsha Kumara Navaratne ceremoniously handed over the Commission of Appointment of Honorary Consul for the province of Manitoba to Mohamed Ismath, on 25^th March 2024, at the office of the High Commission in Ottawa.

Honorary Consul Ismath is currently a Board of Director  of Tennis Canada. Tennis Canada is a non- profit national sports association with a mission to lead the growth of tennis in Canada. He is a retired accountant and is an old boy of Royal College, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Taking into account Mr Ismath’s background, the High Commissioner explored possibilities of promoting tourism through sports collaboration apart from routine consular assistance and   highlighted the importance of obtaining training opportunities for Sri Lankan tennis players in Canada. The High Commissioner also emphasized the need to establish Business Councils in each Canadian Province to facilitate trade and tourism between the two countries.

The  Honorary Consul  informed that there are  over 5000 Sri Lankans  living in Manitoba  and  this also  includes a  vibrant seniors group already engaged  in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist  destination.  He  informed  that  he will be  working  closely  with all  associations  and    look forward  to network  with  Sri Lankan  Honorary  Consuls in other  provinces  to   synergize  the  efforts  of  the High Commission in  going forward.  Deputy High Commissioner Anzul Jhan and Minister Counsellor Lashinka Dammullage were part of the discussions   with the Honorary Consul.

The office of the Honorary Consul is based in 234 Portsmouth Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 2E3, Canada and he could be reached on +1-(204) 227-4531 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

2^nd April 2024