Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The term genocide is used to describe one of the gravest crimes against humanity, comprising of specific acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. Therefore, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canada notes with serious concern attempts by certain parties in Canada trying to portray the final phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka which ended in 2009 as a ‘genocide’ against the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. 

The Sri Lanka community in Canada, is multi-ethnic and multi-religious. In this context, the Private Member Bill 104 on ‘Tamil Genocide Education Week’ passed in Canadian province of Ontario has caused strain in intercommunity relations among the Sri Lankan community by the depiction of a false narrative against one community. 

In addition, while appreciating the various Canadian Government focused  programs for Sri Lankan Tamil Canadians, we are disappointed to note that on January 31, 2022, at an event  announcing  funding for Tamil students with targeted mental health and wellness programs and resources, Mr. Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Education made comments including “we are very deliberate in our choice of words that we recognise a genocide that transpired against the innocent Tamil people” and “in a genocide that has left over 140,000 innocents perished at the hands of the regime in Colombo”. Mr. Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP Scarborough – Rouge Park, who was also present referred to “Tamil genocide’ in his remarks. 

We are appreciative that the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development in a Diplomatic Note dated 7^th April 2021 responding to a clarification stated “that the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development clarify Canada’s official position with regard to allegations of genocide in Sri Lanka, the department can officially confirm that the Government of Canada has not made a finding that there was genocide in Sri Lanka”.  Further, the Government of Canada has proscribed the Liberation Tamil Tigers Eelam Organisation (LTTE) as a Terrorist organisation.

In this background, the repeated use of the word “Tamil Genocide” only generate dissention and prejudice amongst the children and community of Sri Lankan Canadians living in Ontario. Therefore, such allegations need to be refuted in the interest of social harmony and to prevent the spread of fallacies about Sri Lanka in the international community.

During the final phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka, the government forces confronted the internationally proscribed terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), one of the most brutal terror groups the world has witnessed. The aim of the LTTE was to divide Sri Lanka on ethnic lines and carve out a separate State. With this objective, they conducted a three decades long terrorist campaign which brought much suffering and destruction on all communities.

During the last stages of the military conflict in 2009, when the LTTE was facing inevitable defeat, it resorted to holding Tamil civilians hostage as a human shield and refused all efforts to move civilians away from conflict areas. The allegation of civilian casualties and the exaggeration of the numbers was the means by which the LTTE sought to force foreign intervention to halt the government advance. 

Nevertheless, the government forces managed to rescue approximately 290,000 Tamil civilians from the clutches of the LTTE, cared for them and resettled them. In addition, over 12,000 armed LTTE cadres were rehabilitated and released, proving thereby that the Sri Lankan government had avoided causing unnecessary deaths even among enemy combatants, not to speak of non-combatant civilians.

Therefore, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest any act and/or intent of the spurious allegations of “genocide” during the military engagement with the LTTE. Neither was there a pattern of events even to suggest “genocide”. Military experts have noted that the tactical options were, justifiable and proportionate given the situation in the last phase of the military conflict. 

Some parties, including LTTE remnant groups and sympathisers, have seized on hypothetical figures of civilian casualties contained in certain seriously flawed Reports commissioned by the UN, to push a claim of genocide of Tamil people in Sri Lanka during the final stage of the military conflict. However, not even the much disputed UN Secretary General’s Panel of Experts report (PoE) carry the accusation of “genocide” against the Government of Sri Lanka. The principal findings of the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka (OISL), in 2015 in to the alleged “war crimes” of Sri Lanka does not even suggest “genocide”. 

Groups espousing the claim of genocide have seized the claim, made without any proof, in the PoE report “that there could have been as many as 40,000 civilian deaths” during the final months of the conflict.  The PoE report came up with the hypothetical figure of 40,000 civilian deaths by setting off the actual number of people finally rescued by the Sri Lanka Army which was approximately 290,000 against the hypothetical figure of 330,000 which they deemed to be the number of civilians who had been in the area (Vanni) before military operations commenced in that region. This hypothetical number of 330,000 civilians used by the PoE is a purely arbitrary construct. Nobody, in Sri Lanka or outside, really knew exactly how many civilians the LTTE was holding in captivity during those months in 2009. 

In addition, PoE report mentions a lower figure of 7,721 deaths (up until 13 May 2009) reported by the United Nations Country Team in Sri Lanka. However, this figure is later disputed by the PoE report without it explaining how it is that over 30,000 people could have been killed in the final days up until 18 May 2009 when the conflict ended, if the figure of 40,000 is ever to be correct and accurate. 

It may be noted that in July 2011, the data collected by Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka in the Northern Province, found that in 2008 and 2009 when the final battles raged in the Northern Province, the total number of persons who died of causes other than natural causes, was 9,283. The field data collection required for the project, the first enumeration of its kind in that part of the country since the census of 1981, was carried out by the predominantly ethnic Tamil government employees serving in the Northern Province. The number of fatalities suffered by the Sri Lanka Army during the final war against the LTTE between July 2006 and May 2009 was 5,876. It would only be logical to assume that the LTTE would have suffered a greater number of fatalities than the armed forces of Sri Lanka, and that of those reported (9,283) to have died in the Northern Province due to other than natural causes in 2008 and 2009, the vast majority would have been LTTE cadres or those directly involved in hostilities. 

Legal experts have identified that the use of the disputed figure which is the central weakness in the PoE report, is exacerbated by the standard of proof that it professed to adopt. A non-legal analysis (‘I felt sure’, I felt reasonably confident’, I was absolutely convinced’, ‘I had my suspicions’ etc.) is used in a document dealing with alleged criminality on a major scale – that name those who may be responsible and who merit further judicial and other process. They note that international courts and tribunals have not placed reliance on reports of this nature as being probative evidence to prove allegations in trials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

Since the end of the conflict in 2009, Sri Lanka has pursued a policy of restoration, reparation, re –integration, rehabilitation and reconciliation within the overall concept of restorative justice.  At a time when Sri Lanka is moving ahead with these processes, certain groups, including remnants of LTTE international network, have been trying to discredit and destabilise the efforts undertaken by Sri Lanka by pushing agendas such as ‘Tamil genocide’. 

As seen in the comments made by Mr. Stephen Lecce, who cited a figure of 140,000 deaths, the contents of unverified reports have succeeded in misleading the international community and influencing opinion-formers and decision makers. If, with the passage of time, the dubious nature of the evidence on which the UN reports are based on is forgotten, their accusations, which are in fact unproven, may become potent over repeated use.

 The allegations of genocide impacts on Sri Lanka’s relations with the international community, at a time when it is engaged in a long-standing cooperation with the UN human rights mechanisms and the UN Human Rights Council and is delivering on its commitment to address accountability and reconciliation through domestic processes and institutions. 

Therefore, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka extends an open invite to all those who are committed to the peace and reconciliation process of Sri Lanka to visit, meet and have a dialogue with him on this subject.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

5^th February 2022

We are celebrating Sri Lanka’s 74th Independence Day. It is interesting that our celebration is held in the midst of the country facing the challenges of COVID-19 and significantly overcoming its threat with an invaluable contribution from our front line health hero's who have rendered this service while making a tremendous sacrifice. Let me congratulate them for their great and commendable service. 

With the COVID-19 Pandemic still lingering, the World at large is still facing an unprecedented crisis within its societies, with its medical, social and economic impacts affecting every aspect of daily life. We in Sri Lanka have it no different. Historically, as a Nation and courageous people, we have faced many a crisis and overcome many challenges, and we will overcome the present difficulties with the same vigor and understanding. 

It is with much joy that Sri Lanka takes this opportunity to appreciate our long standing bilateral relationship and friendship with Canada. Our diplomatic relationship was establishes in 1958 and continues to this date with the same robust and cordial relationship it started with. Over 63 years of our relationship and partnership has resulted in a mutual benefit based on commonwealth values, democratic norms and in multilateral forums. 

In my first few meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development of Canada, we enjoyed sharing of prospects that are of mutual interested and offer benefits to both countries. Since Canada is committed to the INDO PACIFIC strategy, we also discussed the role of Sri Lanka as a geopolitically important maritime focal point. We also proposed the possibility of Canada as a catalyst to bring the various groups and stakeholders together to proceed with a discussion on the ongoing reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, which will contribute to peace in the South Asian and Indian Ocean region. 

H. E. the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, while addressing United Nation assembly declared: 

“Violence robbed Sri Lanka of thousands of lives and decades of prosperity in the past half century. My Government is committed to ensuring that such violence never takes place in Sri Lanka again. We are therefore acting to address the core issues behind it. Fostering greater accountability, restorative justice, and meaningful reconciliation through domestic institutions is essential to achieve lasting peace. So too is ensuring more equitable participation in the fruits of economic development.

It is my Government’s firm intention to build a prosperous, stable and secure future for all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. We are ready to engage with all domestic stakeholders, and to obtain the support of our international partners and the United Nations, in this process.” 

Here in Canada, our High Commission will be dedicated to following through with H. E. the President’s peace and reconciliation agenda, with services provided by both of our offices in Ottawa and Toronto. Today, on this historic Independence Day, on behalf of my Government I would like to invite all those who are committed to the peace and reconciliation of the Sri Lankan people to visit, meet and have a dialogue with me on this subject. Many of the best practices of peace building start with like-minded people meeting and sharing their thoughts; opening-up on prevailing issues; trying to understand and slowly build trust to meet again and again and look for opportunities to work together. By doing so, we continue to find areas in which we can cooperate and build relationships. Again, I propose the need to engage with key stakeholder communities, and to understand the sincerity of our peace and reconciliation initiative. Let me refer back to my greetings for the Thai Pongal Festival: “Sri Lanka, as a multi- ethnic and multicultural society that has over the years collectively nurtured the celebration of important festival as Thai pongal: I am happy to wish peace and good health to the Canadian Tamil community.” 

We recognize Canadians of Sri Lankan origin specifically and Sri Lanka-Canada societies, for their sacrifices, commitments and representations in National and International forums. It is also imperative to highlight the importance of all of you representing your respective ethnicities: Tamil, Muslim, Burgher and Sinhala, as you collectively support, cooperate and engage in missions related to peace and reconciliation initiatives. 

At my credential ceremony, the Governor General addressed us saying, “We all work across borders. We should always keep in mind how much we can accomplish when we put aside what divides us and focus on our common humanity.”  When I met her in person, she emphasized on the importance of learning from Canada’s Truth Commission experience and its outcome. In addition to this, I was introduced to a leading personality who was involved in the commission. Our High Commission highly appreciates her intervention and advice and promises to follow through with it. 

Our mission had several meetings with the Ceylon Chambers of Commerce and its members on possible trade, investment and business to business dialogue. As a continuation of such meetings we are in contact with Canadian business chambers and interested business houses for finalizing successful business partnerships. 

There are hundreds of Sri Lankan students who are studying in Canadian universities and our mission is to work with a few of those universities to initiate a possible collaboration with Sri Lankan universities. Interestingly, our health care workers are actively involved in the Canadian health care system and we are working with the Canadian Government to have a bilateral understanding on opening an opportunity for more Sri Lankan health care workers to come to Canada and work here. 

In 2018, Sri Lanka welcomed 50,000 tourists from Canada. With Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the spread of COVID-19, along with rapidly rolling out the Vaccines, Sri Lanka has currently become one of the most favored tourist destinations in South Asia. Our Mission will work with Canadian travel organizations and interested individuals to promote tourism in a more effective manner. 

Hopefully this coming year will open up many opportunities for Sri Lanka and Canada to develop new initiatives and strengthen our bilateral cooperation and enjoy person to person cooperation and experience strong solidarity.

Most Venerable Maha Sangha,

Other Religious Dignitaries,

Hon. Prime Minister,

Hon. Speaker,

Hon. Chief Justice,

Hon. Leader of the Opposition,

Hon. Ministers and Hon Governors,

Hon. State Ministers,

Hon. Members of Parliament,

Ambassadors and High Commissioners,

Secretary to the President and all Government Officials,

Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army,

Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Air Force and Inspector General of Police,

Director General of the Civil Security Department,

Distinguished Guests,

War Heroes,

All Sri Lankan Brothers and Sisters,

Beloved Children,

Throughout history, people of various nations have struggled, fought and made great sacrifices for their right to live as dignified citizens in a free country.

In Sri Lanka too, Great Kings such as Dutugemunu, Walagamba, Maha Parakumba, Vijayabahu and Parakumba the Sixth fought against foreign invaders at various periods during a 2,500 year history, liberated the country from foreigners and united it.

It is now 74 years since our country finally gained freedom from 450 years of European colonial rule. Even after independence, we had to fight for nearly three decades against an attempt to divide this country through terrorism.

Today Sri Lanka is a free, sovereign, democratic country. We are its proud citizens.

I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all patriots who dedicated themselves to gain full freedom for our country facing various obstacles throughout the history, and continue to secure the freedom so gained.

Every Sri Lankan citizen, irrespective of any community or religion, has the right to live freely and safely anywhere in the country today. There is freedom to practice the

religion of their choice. There is freedom to hold independent opinions and express ideas.  There is full media freedom in the country. Sri Lankan citizens have the freedom to elect their representatives through a fully democratic mechanism, and for those interested, to engage in the political process and governance.

This is a cause for joy and pride for all of us.

As people of a free and democratic country, all of us have rights as well as responsibilities.

The greatest benefit from freedom is when everyone fulfils their duty to the country. It is not appropriate to speak of rights only, whilst forgetting responsibilities.

The freedom of a country is most meaningful when it is strong in social, political and economic spheres. As much as a government, the people too have the right to actively contribute towards this.

When steering the country in the right direction, we know that the support of each and every person in the country cannot be expected. We are not ready to abandon our plans for the country’s future prosperity by looking upon those who will not change. Our objective is to do what is right by the country, and not to please everyone.

We can make our way forward successful only with a positive attitude that looks optimistically towards the future. We can surmount the challenges we meet only if we dedicate ourselves to a victorious journey.

Pessimists do not change the world. They do not even have the capacity for it. Those who habitually criticize without proposing a solution to a problem do not have a vision for the future.

A nation’s leader has to constantly face many difficulties, calamities, problems and challenges. Leading a team towards a vision is not easy. Changing the existing ways, no matter how good the intention is not easy either. On certain matters, both local and foreign forces organise against us. Sometimes it may seem that everything that happens around you is conspiring against you.

What the people expect from leaders is to manage all these crises and take the country forward, but not to escape from problems. We have the positive mindset needed for that. I am always ready to provide the necessary leadership to overcome any challenge facing the country.

The world has been changed, and will be changed by those people with positive ideas, who dream of a future with optimism and strive to make it a reality.  We see this throughout the history.

Social progress in all developed nations has been possible due to the positive thoughts of their leaders and the people.

Our own kings in the past built vast stupas such as Ruwanweliseya, Jethavanaramaya and Abhayagiriya in this same positive attitude. We had an excellent irrigation technology that created Minneriya Tank, Kala Wewa, Parakrama Samudraya and Yoda Ela. Cities such as Sigiriya still mesmerize the world. Sri Lanka was a famed naval hub in the ancient world. If we were able to accomplish such feats then, we ought to be able to compete with the world in the future as well.

The most important criterion for this is the belief in ourselves.

Difficult times do not last forever. People of great resolve are needed to face difficult times. Anyone who demoralizes another is not doing any good to the society at this moment. Therefore all of us have an enormous responsibility to build a positive attitude in the country to face these crises successfully.  We have faced critical problems in the recent history as well, and found solutions. When pessimists maintained that terrorism could never be defeated in war, brave military leaders like General Denzil Kobbekaduwa and General Vijaya Wimalaratne instilled the positive attitude in their men that terrorism can in fact be defeated. Later, under the right political leadership, we were able to vanquish terrorism in as little as  3 ½ years because we had belief in our own capabilities.None of the crises we experience today are long-term problems. We can find solutions to them with an optimistic approach. There is a role that each of us can play to expedite this process. We must all endeavour to do our utmost for the country by fulfilling our responsibilities in a proper manner.  We realized early on that the only solution to control of Covid-19 pandemic was vaccination. Hence we have been able to provide both vaccine doses to over 85% of the targeted population, control the disease and resume normal community life. By now, all vaccine doses required to administer the booster to the people have been imported to Sri Lanka.  Rather than go back many years into the past searching for reasons for the economic problems that the country faces today, what is more relevant is to find both short and long-term solutions for such. This is what we as a government is focused on. We need to improve all three sectors of agriculture, industry and services in order to strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka. Special attention must be paid on ways and means to enhance export revenue whilst encouraging local production. While our national policies are very clear on this stance, there should be more active participation in all sectors in implementing them. Investment is an essential factor in the development process of our country. While the government is constantly working to encourage investments, we need both local investments as well as foreign investments. Foreign investment is especially important for large scale projects, industries requiring modern technological know-how and new

ventures that open up global market opportunities for us. People need to be more vigilant of those who attempt to propagate incorrect public opinion against foreign investments, based on political motives.

We cannot accelerate economic development without encouraging entrepreneurship and removing obstacles faced by entrepreneurs. We have a responsibility to be more respectful and friendly to entrepreneurs who start their own businesses amidst various vulnerabilities and provide employment and income opportunities for others as well. Government officials should fully understand the contribution of entrepreneurs to the country’s development and provide all assistance they require expeditiously within the legal framework. By preventing major delays in business registration and investment approvals, we can mobilize the entire economic process in the country.

A number of education reforms are taking place in the country to create a more productive citizen. Every child completing school education must strive to develop a skill or industry that can contribute to the country’s economic process. One must try to enhance knowledge in the chosen sector and also acquire professional qualifications if possible. In this manner, you have the opportunity to directly contribute to the country’s economic process.

The people who shed their sweat in farmlands, factories and workplaces make an active contribution to the country’s economy. I pay my respects to all of them.

Expatriate Sri Lankans who provide foreign exchange to the country are a major resource to us. We have not forgotten how they came forward for the country in the recent past and supported us making great sacrifices. We greatly appreciate their regular contribution to energize our economy. I invite all expatriate Sri Lankans to invest in their homeland. This will enable you to continue to actively contribute to building the future of the country.

If we are to win over the challenges before us and accomplish our future goals successfully, then all of us have to make a change. We all have to make some sacrifices towards it. As the President of the country, I am ready to set the necessary example for it. I am already doing this to the best of my ability. I ask all Ministers, Parliamentarians and other politicians to act in an exemplary manner for the country at all times. If you set this example to the people, then the majority of the people will follow you.

Forces against a national leadership that values our indigenousness and protects the country’s sovereignty are subtly misleading the people through various false propaganda. I urge the people of this country to always act prudently. No one can mislead the people if they make inquiries based on fact, ascertain the truth and make decisions.

I have pledged as the Head of State to always protect the freedom won for the future generations, and to safeguard the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of this country. We will always abide by that pledge.

Cultural freedom is important to all communities. We consider it our prime responsibility to preserve our thousands of years of indigenous traditions and customs, values and identity. Steps have been taken to preserve and develop places of archaeological value that have been subject to various threats and destroyed in the recent past.

We are a nation that safeguards the rule of law and respects international conventions. Although some parties have attempted to make various allegations against Sri Lanka for narrow motives, the government has not condoned any type of human rights violations, and will not leave room for such incidents in future either.

Under no circumstances shall we allow extremism to raise its head in this country. Today we have secured national security as promised by the government to the people.

The people have given the opportunity for the current government to implement the Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour Policy Statement presented by us.

There have been no changes in the policy framework we presented in regard to identified priorities such as green agriculture, promotion of renewable energy use, education reforms compatible with the modern world, encouragement of local entrepreneurship, export diversification and value addition, and promotion of technology use for a new leap in the economy.

We are committed to achieving the basic goals of a productive citizen, a happy family, a disciplined, virtuous society and a prosperous country.

I was given the leadership of the country at a very difficult time. In the last two years we have had to find solutions to a number of unanticipated problems. Despite all these difficulties, our government was able to carry out many development activities.

All the plans required for the sustainable development of the country, during my remaining tenure are being implemented. No matter what the obstacles are, if the majority of the people in our country are optimistic about the future and give their due contribution, we will be able to achieve those goals.

I heartily invite all patriotic Sri Lankans to unite to build a proud nation that has achieved the true meaning of freedom.

I thank you all.

Theruvan Saranai.

With a view to streamlining the procedure at the Consular Affairs Division and assisting the general public visiting the Division daily, the Ministry in collaboration with the Government Information Centre (1919 Call Centre) has introduced an appointment reservation system for the general public who wish to authenticate certificates/documents through the electronic Document Attestation System (eDAS) in addition to the prevailing practice of walk-ins.

The appointment reservation system will focus on the general public who do not have access to make reservations through an online appointment system which has already been set up to obtain document authentication services from the Consular Affairs Division.

The services under the new system will be available from Thursday, 27 January, 2022. Anyone wishing to reserve a time slot by calling 1919 from any telephone network would be able to do so by following the instructions provided by the agent responding to the call.

While the current practice of receiving walk-in customers and online appointment system will be available, the public is also encouraged to visit the Regional Consular Offices in Jaffna, Matara, Kandy, Trincomalee and Kurunegala to obtain Consular Services excluding the authentication of GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level Examination Certificates.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

28 January, 2022

(https://mfa.gov.lk/1919-consular-reservation-system/)

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris addressed the Diplomatic Corps at the Foreign Ministry Auditorium on 26 January, 2022 during the first diplomatic briefing for the New Year.

Foreign Minister Peiris appreciated the opportunity to meet with the entire diplomatic corps as a continuation of the regular briefings organized by the Ministry to share current developments. The objective of this briefing was to share information on progress related to human rights and reconciliation as part of the continued engagement ahead of the upcoming 49th Session of the Human Rights Council, which will commence in the last week of February.

The Minister recalled that at the September 2021 Session of the Human Rights Council he had reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to the promotion and protection of Human Rights and to remain engaged with the United Nations including the Human Rights Council. In this context, the Minister referred to the constructive engagement with the international community in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue.

Foreign Minister Peiris said the Government of Sri Lanka has undertaken substantial steps with a view to accountability, restorative justice and meaningful reconciliation which were efforts due to the work of domestic institutions and invited the heads of these institutions to brief on the tangible progress made. Accordingly, presentations on the progress of domestic institutions during the past year were made by: Chairperson of the Office for Reparations (OR) Dhara Wijayatilake, Director General, Sustainable Development Council (SDC) Chamindry Saparamadu, Director General, Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Deepthi Lamahewa, Head of Protection & Legal, Office of Missing Persons (OMP) and J. Thatparan, Director, Research and Monitoring of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) Nihal Chandrasiri.

The Minister was particularly pleased to inform that after 43 years, the Prevention of Terrorism Act is being amended with the objective of bringing it in line with international norms and best practices. He informed that Cabinet approval has been obtained to gazette the Bill containing the proposed amendments and thereafter to table the Bill in Parliament for final approval. The Minister explained that the PTA is being amended after lengthy deliberations over several months.

He added that substantive amendments to the PTA include amendments to the sections on detention orders, restriction orders, expressly recognizing judicial review of orders, expeditious disposal of cases of those charged to avoid long term detention, repealing sections impinging on freedom of expression and introduction of provisions on access by magistrates and judicial medical officers, prevention of maltreatment and torture during the detention period, right to communicate with the family, grant of bail to long term detainees and day to day hearing of cases.

The Foreign Minister also referred to the establishment of an Advisory Board under Section 13 of the PTA to advise the Minister of Defence on long term detainees. Any person who has been issued a Detention Order or a Restriction Order under the PTA is provided an opportunity to request a review of the Order. In addition, Presidential pardons were granted to 16 LTTE cadres serving sentences under the PTA in June 2021 and a legal and administrative process has been set in motion to release detainees who have been in judicial custody for extended periods under charges relating to the PTA. Accordingly, 13 more persons were discharged as of 13 January, 2022.

Foreign Minister Peiris also referred to recent developments relating to Hejaaz Hizbullah noting that a case has been filed by the Attorney General under the PTA. The Attorney General has informed the Court of Appeal that he will not object to bail being granted to the accused. With regard to the Presidential Task Force on Archaeological Heritage Management, the Minister informed that representatives of the Tamil and Muslim communities had been included.

The Foreign Minister informed the Heads of Mission of the visits he had undertaken to the Eastern, Southern and Central provinces and his forthcoming visit to the Northern province of Sri Lanka with the objective of engaging in consultations with various stakeholders including politicians, government officials, intellectuals and academics, members of civil society Organizations at the grass roots to discuss and obtain a feedback on various measures the government has already taken to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and on human rights and reconciliation efforts.

The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Hanaa Singer-Hamdy appreciated the work done by the relevant national institutions in the areas of transitional justice, achievement of the SDG’s and amendments to the PTA. The Ambassador of Egypt Maged Mosleh highlighted the importance of the international community working with Sri Lanka to promote human rights and reconciliation and observed the impressive achievements made by Sri Lanka in combating terrorism and dealing with its aftermath.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

27 January, 2022

(https://mfa.gov.lk/fm-briefs-dpl/)

High Commissioner Harsha Kumara Navaratne presented credentials to Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar at the Headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada on 13^th January 2022. The High Commissioner and his delegation was cordially welcomed by the office of ICAO under COVID health guidelines. 

Presenting Credentials to the Secretary General, High Commissioner  Navaratne added greetings  from  H E the  President Gotabaya Rajapaksa  and the Government of Sri Lanka   and also took  the opportunity to congratulate  the  Secretary General   on his  appointment as the  ICAO Secretary  General in the latter part of 2021. 

During discussions, the High Commissioner stated that Sri Lanka is member of the ICAO since 1948 and has endeavoured to incorporate ICAO principles in the Sri Lanka National Civil Aviation Policy introduced in 2019. He further stated that the Government of Sri Lanka has acceded to the Cape Town Convention and related Protocols, Beijing Convention and Associated Supplementary Protocols and Protocol to amend the Convention of offences and certain other acts committed on board aircraft and the Montreal Protocol. 

Appreciating  the call  of ICAO and United Nations  World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)  for acceleration  of global efforts  to reconnect the  world  due to COVID 19 in August last year the Sri Lanka  delegation stated that  such  efforts  will ease the  economic hardships   felt  by the  peoples of all  countries and  Sri Lanka  would  also benefit  as  its  economy depends on tourism.   The Sri Lanka delegation also inquired and discussed on new   training opportunities from which   industry officials in Sri Lanka    could benefit. 

Secretary General  Salazar  stated that he  is has  close interaction  with  Sri Lanka  even before  his  appointment and  has  visited  Sri Lanka and  is familiar with  the  country. He also  stated that  ICAO is  closely  working  with  UNWTO  on several  fronts  and he  welcomes  Sri Lanka  to  take part in  its  initiatives  based on interest. 

At the  end of the discussions,  High Commissioner  Navaratne on behalf of the  Government  reiterated  its  commitment  to  ICAO  principles  that include safe and orderly development of international civil aviation, with  the complementary aim that international air transport services should be operated soundly and economically and established on the basis of equality of opportunity. 

Deputy High Commissioner Anzul B Jhan and M D K Aravinda, IT Officer of the High Commission participated in the discussions.

Sri Lanka High Commission

 Ottawa

14^th January 2022