Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The Chargé d’Affaires of Romania, resident in Colombo, Ambassador Victor Chiujdea, met Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Friday, 19 March at the Foreign Ministry. The parties reviewed bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres, with a focus on trade, investment, tourism, foreign employment and agriculture.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to further consolidating the warm and friendly relations between the two countries spanning sixty four years, Foreign Minister Gunawardena reiterated the intent of the Government to open a resident Mission of Sri Lanka in Romania in the near future.

The Minister appreciated Romania’s partnership with Sri Lanka in the provision of employment opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals in a range of sectors, and welcomed the potential to further expand this cooperation in the future. Ambassador Chiujdea reaffirmed Romania’s interest to broaden cooperation in the employment sector, and indicated that Sri Lankan workers are held in high esteem in Romania, due to their superior skills and adaptability.

The parties focused on the expansion of bilateral trade and investment opportunities, including greater utilization of the EU GSP+ facility, and cooperation in the tourism sector, given the increasing trend of tourist arrivals from Romania to Sri Lanka, and to South Asia.

The discussion also covered review of shared interests in the regional and multilateral spheres, the exchange of high level visits, as well as identification of potential sectors for future cooperation.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

23 March 2021

Notice to the Public

Kindly note that in terms of section 102 (1) of Inland Revenue Act (IRA) that every person chargeable with Income Tax shall obtain the registration with the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue (CGIR) via website: http://www.ird.gov.lk/. Accordingly, any Sri Lankan expatriate, a dual citizen or a permanent citizen having a taxable income as per provisions of IRA is mandatory to register under the said section.

Further to that, the Minister in terms of section 102(3) of IRA may specify the additional classes of persons who are required to get the registration under IRA irrespective of the chargeability there under.

The gazette notification bearing No.2334/21 dated 31/05/2023 issued in line with the above provision specifies such additional categories including those who are at the age of 18 years as at the date of 31/12/2023 and attaining such age on or after the date of 01/01/2024.

The said gazette notification is not applicable in the case of Sri Lankan non-residents. Therefore, any Sri Lankan non-resident person is not required to get the registration as above.

However, the government budget for the year 2024 has made proposals to mandate the TIN requirement for the purposes of following activities within Sri Lanka. Therefore, any non-resident person intending to perform such an activity is advised to be registered with the CGIR.

·         Opening a current Account

·         Obtaining approval for a building plan

·         Registering a motor vehicle, renewing the revenue license

·         Registering title deeds on lands.

More information could be accessed via: http://www.ird.gov.lk/en/Lists/Latest%20News%20%20Notices/Attachments/555/CMN27122023_E%20-%20Registration.pdf

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with the Afghanistan Ambassador in Sri Lanka Ashraf Haidari on 19 March 2021, at the Foreign Ministry for bilateral discussions.

Ambassador Haidari provided a briefing to Foreign Minister Gunawardena on the ongoing peace process in Afghanistan and conveyed his country’s aspirations for a successful outcome. While wishing Afghanistan to achieve durable peace and security, Foreign Minister Gunawardena unequivocally condemned the recent acts of terrorism in Kabul, which resulted in several civilians deaths.

The two dignitaries agreed to continue the current momentum of bilateral engagements with their strong commitment for enhanced relations. As an immediate step, Minister Gunawardena and Ambassador Haidari agreed to commence the Foreign Office Political Consultations by concluding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding next month, which the Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka already endorsed. There was consensus that expeditious action would be taken in respect of the other bilateral instruments, which include an Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, an Air Services Agreement and two MoUs respectively on Diplomatic Visa Waiver and Defence Cooperation.

Both sides shared the sentiment that being close neighbours, as well as Members of the SAARC, the future potential in trade and economic cooperation must be explored through the relevant trade chambers in the two countries. Ambassador Haidari invited Sri Lanka side to explore the high potential areas for bilateral trade, including tea, gem and jewellery, dry fruits, nuts and cereals, while proposing to establish direct aviation connectivity between the two countries.

Further, Ambassador Haidari invited Minister Gunawardena to undertake an official visit to Afghanistan, including to the regions of Buddhist heritage, such as Bamiyan.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 March 2021