High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom

High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena together with senior diplomatic officers met the members of the Executive Committee of the Sri Lankan Medical & Dental Association in the UK (SLMDA-UK) at the High Commission of Sri Lanka on 19 June 2021.

At the meeting, the members of the Executive Committee informed of the origins of the Association in 1982 and that it is a voluntary Association for Sri Lankan and Sri Lankan origin Medical & Dental professionals in the UK.  They also briefed the High Commissioner of the activities and charitable work undertaken by the Association in the recent past.

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Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the UK Minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad have agreed to explore avenues to boost bilateral ties, during a video call yesterday, Thursday, 17 June 2021. They welcomed the multifaceted nature of the bilateral engagement between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom in a wide range of areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

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The Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry organized a ceremony to handover letters of compensation of the deceased Sri Lankan workers abroad to their respective family members at the Ministry Premises in line with the International Domestic Workers Day as well as the International Day of Family Remittances held on 16 June, 2021.

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The Foreign Ministry regrets the adoption of a resolution on Sri Lanka in the European Parliament on 10 June 2021.  The resolution entitled “The Situation in Sri Lanka, in particular the arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act”, contains factual inaccuracies, and does not take cognizance of the multifaceted progress made by Sri Lanka in reconciliation and development.

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Sri Lanka, through its Ambassador in Washington Ravinatha Aryasinha, formally called on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) not to proceed with H. RES. 413 on Sri Lanka moved by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (Democrat/North Carolina) on 18 May 2021.

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The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London held annual Vesak celebrations from 26-30 May 2021 at the High Commission premises while observing the UK Government’s Covid-19 guidelines.

The celebrations began with a ceremony on 26 May 2021 with the attendance of the Maha Sangha, Members of Houses of Parliament, the diplomatic corps and members of British Sri Lankan community.

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High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Saroja Sirisena called on the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle on 24 May 2021 as a part of Sir Lindsay’s initiative to meet Heads of Mission based in London.

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The video message (English) of Hon.Mahinda Rajapaksa Prime Minister of Sri Lanka for Vesak Day 2021 can be watched from the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQbuuszgQZxpwL3OszjX1JUrDSFdZ8Gg/view?usp=sharing

The temporary suspension of inbound passenger arrivals to Sri Lanka which was in effect from 11.59 pm on 21 May 2021 to 11.59 pm on 31 May 2021 was removed with effect from 1 June 2021.

Sri Lankan nationals and dual citizens arriving in Sri Lanka, who have obtained the recommended doses of the Covid-19 vaccines and depart the country of origin two weeks after the completion of the vaccination will be permitted to spend the mandatory quarantine at home, if they have a residence /home in Sri Lanka suitable for undergoing home quarantine. They should undergo PCR testing on arrival and stay at a quatrantine hotel, quarantine centre or a Secure & Certified Level One Hotel until On Arrival Day One PCR test is available. With a negative PCR test, they will be allowed to leave for home where they should spend the remaining period of the mandatory 14 day quarantine. At the end of the 14 day they should do a second PCR test and submit the report  to the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) of the area. With a negative PCR report, they will be discharged from home quarantine.

Home quarantine will not be permitted to Sri Lankan nationals and dual citizens who have obtained the recommended doses of the Covid-19 vaccines and arriving from/have been in transit in/having a travel history, in India, Vietnam, South Africa and Latin American countries, within 14 days of arrival in Sri Lanka.

These guidelines are valid until 30 June 2021.

For further details, please refer to the Ministry of Health Circular No DGHS/COVID-19/347/2021 dated 6 June 2021.

The approval procedure for travelling to Sri Lanka for dual citizens not travelling on Sri Lankan passports and foreign passport holders including tourists, is available at http://srilankahc.uk/2021/05/12/notice-review-of-approval-procedure-to-enter-sri-lanka.

Last updated on 07 June 2021

In celebration of the International Tea Day – 21st May 2021, the Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) and Colombo Tea Traders Association (CTTA) have organized a webinar to introduce Sri Lanka’s artisanal teas to a wider audience of tea connoisseurs around the world.

The webinar will include a short video on the Ceylon Artisanal Tea Association (CATA) and live visits to several member estates, as well as a panel discussion on the growing global demand for artisanal tea featuring Sri Lankan leading tea exporters and major global tea buyers and writers etc.

Feel free to join – 21 May 2021, 1PM UK time @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89535798612

The State Ministry of Regional Cooperation has launched a “Creative Economy Programme” with the view towards contributing to the country’s economy and promoting Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The ‘creative economy’ is a rapidly expanding segment of the global economy and has made a crucial contribution towards generating employment, income and exports. Based on creativity, it encompasses all artistic, innovative and cultural products and services. It is also conducive to sustainable development.

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Sri Lanka remains deeply concerned over escalating violence between Palestine and Israel.

The Foreign Minister has already conveyed to the Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka three days ago Sri Lanka’s deep concern over the situation and the interest to protect the rights and the lives of the people of Palestine.

Sri Lanka urges all parties to cease conflict and restore peace and to take steps to avoid any risk of a threat of instability to the wider region likely to arise from ongoing developments.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

17 May 2021

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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan, Italy will be moving to its new premises at Via Giovanni da Udine, n. 15, 20156, Milan on 18 May 2021, to provide better facilities for the Sri Lankan community residing in Northern Italy.

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Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with the Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon at the Foreign Ministry today (10/05).   The Minister conveyed the Government’s deep concerns on the passing of Private Member Bill 104 on ‘Tamil Genocide Education Week’ by the Ontario Legislative Assembly on 06 May 2021.  The Minister explained that the Ontario Legislative Assembly makes a finding that ‘genocide’ has taken place in Sri Lanka contradicting the official position of the Government of Canada which had confirmed that it has not made a finding that there was a genocide in Sri Lanka.  He sought immediate intervention of the Canadian government to stop Royal Assent by Hon. Lt. Governor of Ontario to the said Bill.

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The Sri Lankan born executive chef Mario Perera is showcasing the vibrant, colourful and spiced dishes from Sri Lanka at the brand-new dining outlet at The Dorchester from 10 – 30 May 2021.  The newest culinary experience ‘A taste of Sri Lanka with executive chef Mario Perera’ is the third instalment of The Dorchester’s summer series.

Chef Perera’s culinary endeavour which is supported by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, is a combination of the passion for his Sri Lankan heritage and 20 years’ experience at The Dorchester.

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Sri Lanka condemns the terrorist attack on Hon. Mohamed Nasheed the Speaker of the Maldivian Parliament and the former President of Maldives, on 06 May 2021.

At this most critical time, the people and the Government of Sri Lanka join in expressing solidarity with the people and the Government of Maldives while strongly condemning all forms of violence.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

07 May, 2021

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

(British High Commission in Colombo and the Government of Sri Lanka)

The UK and Sri Lanka lead on ‘Nitrogen for Climate and Green Recovery’

27 – 29 April 2021, Colombo

The British High Commission in Colombo and the Government of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka this week held a virtual event “Nitrogen for Climate and Green Recovery”, held on 27 – 29 April 2021, in Colombo.

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Sri Lanka strongly condemns the terror attack on civilians that took place on 30 April 2021 in   Pul-e-Alam city of Logar Province in Afghanistan. Indiscriminate violence against civilians, particularly students and children, demonstrates the cruelty of the perpetrators who intend to bring anarchy. Sri Lanka stands firmly with the Government of Afghanistan in its fight against terrorism to bring durable peace to the country.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

01 May 2021

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Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena participated in a joint video conference on COVID-19 response involving his counterparts from China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan held today, 27 April 2021. The discussions focused on consolidating COVID-19 response cooperation and promoting post-pandemic economic recovery as well as poverty alleviation amidst the recent spike in COVID-19 infections.

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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.

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The High Commission of Sri Lanka (SLHC) in the United Kingdom and the Association of Professional Sri Lankans (APSL) in the UK are jointly organising a Research Symposium on 1st September 2021 from 9.30 am – 6.30 pm.

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Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,  called  for  early  conclusion of the  Charter of the Association of BIMSTEC Speakers and  Parliamentarians, in his welcome  address at the 17^th Ministerial Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative  for Multi Sectoral Technical  and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC),  comprising of Bangladeshi, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. This event was held virtually   on 1^st April 2021 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister informed that the platform would provide Speakers and Parliamentarians space for greater understanding, trust and friendship and to exchange ideas and information on parliamentary practices and commitment on democratic principles.

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The Sri Lanka High Commission in London in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism is pleased to invite UK based Tour Operators and Media to register for “Hello Again: Sri Lanka, the next holiday destination for the UK Tourists”, a Webinar being held on 31^st March 2021 at 10:30AM UK time.

To register, please visit the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsdeCupzoqGtAmURusmJB3GxxE-lcWQXm9.

The appeal made to the UK High Court by Major Gen Priyanka Fernando, the former Minister Counsellor (Defence) of the Sri Lanka High Commission against the judgement of the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on him was allowed today, 19 March 2021. In the judgement handed down by the High Court, it decided in favour of Major Gen Fernando and quashed his conviction by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 6 December 2019 and acquitted him. The defendants, who are pro-LTTE demonstrators who staged protests in front of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London on Sri Lanka’s 70^th Independence Day on  4 February 2018 are ordered to pay costs to Major Gen Fernando.

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Recent media reports have highlighted statements made in regard to a proposal to ban the wearing of the burqa and niqab in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage has said that a decision has not been taken by the Government to impose such a ban and it is merely a proposal, which is under discussion. This proposal has been based on the precautionary measures that are needed on national security grounds, following the investigations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on Easter Sunday attacks.

The Government will initiate a broader dialogue with all parties concerned and sufficient time will be taken for necessary consultations to be held and for consensus to be reached.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

16 March 2021

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated that the present Government is committed to the development of the country while protecting the independent, sovereign, free and unitary state. He made these remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Eastern Provincial Regional Consular Office of the Foreign Ministry in Trincomalee.

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There have been recent reports on social media platforms of a “Sri Lanka Flag Non-Slip Doormat” which is being advertised for online purchase on the Amazon website.

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage has informed the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing to contact the manufacturer concerned in China and also has brought to the attention of the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, the advertising of Sri Lanka’s national flag as a doormat. The Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington D.C has also been instructed to follow up on the matter with the advertising platform Amazon.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

12 March 2021

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK initiated a platform to showcase Sri Lankans who have excelled, thanks to the public goods provided by the successive Governments of Sri Lanka since independence and decades of solid investment in its people. Launching this initiative, the High Commission presented a brief video outlining the milestones of the life of Mr. Abdul Haleem, Counsellor of the High Commission. The video traces his steps and reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to its citizens.

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There have been reports on social media platforms in regard to an invitation extended to the Foreign Minister of Myanmar to attend the 17^th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting hosted virtually on 1^st April 2021, in Colombo.

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Statement by H.E. Mohan Peiris,

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

Friday, 05 March 2021

General Assembly Hall, UNHQ (in-person)

Mr. President,

I thank the Permanent Representatives of Spain and Oman for the fine role that they are playing as co-facilitators of the Seventh Review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I also wish to thank the United Nations Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism for the presentation on the comprehensive Report by the UN Secretary-General on the activities of the UN system in implementing the Strategy.

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The documentary film “TRUTH BEHIND DARE – Unearthing systematically suppressed plight of humanity ended in 2009” produced by the independent and non-profit media initiative Lanka Courier was screened by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London on Zoom platform on 23 February 2021 for the Expatriate Sri Lankans in the UK.

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Madam President,

Madam High Commissioner,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

The OHCHR Report which is presented today, emanates from the Resolution 30/1 and 40/1, from which the Government of Sri Lanka announced its withdrawal of co-sponsorship, at the 43^rd Session of this Council last year.

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Madam President,

Madam High Commissioner,

Distinguished Ambassadors,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. As I address you today, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has published a report on Sri Lanka accompanied by an unprecedented propaganda campaign on that report.

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The temporary travel restriction introduced by the Government on travels originating from the United Kingdom to Sri Lanka on account of the new Covid -19 Variant in the UK has been lifted with immediate effect.

At a meeting presided by H.E the President, it was decided to relax the restrictions on travels from UK subject to 14 days of quarantine and PCR tests determined by the Health Authorities.

The tourist arrivals from the UK too will resume under the guidelines introduced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

17 February 2021

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage was interviewed on ‘Pathikada’ telecast on Newsfirst Sri Lanka on 05 February 2021.

The full interview may be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Vlwm0kj6rwU

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The Foreign Ministry will continue facilitating repatriations without any financial burden on Sri Lankans, the Foreign Secretary asserted responding to misinformation in the public domain. Secretary Jayanath Colombage made it clear that the role of the Missions is strictly confined to organizing repatriation flights for returnees who are tested on arrival, offered all logistical support and are quarantined at Government facilities free of charge.

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UNDP Resident Coordinator Robert Jukham presented a copy of the UNDP Human Development Report 2020 to Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on 5 January 2021 at the Foreign Ministry.

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The staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom commenced work for the year 2021 by offering alms to the London Buddhist Vihara and organising a special programme at the High Commission premises.

The special programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka at the Chancery building by High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by the staff of the High Commission. Thereafter, two minutes’ silence was observed to commemorate war heroes and those who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the Motherland. This was followed by the reading of the Oath of Public Servants by the High Commissioner and staff.

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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (22) decided to suspend arrival of passengers from the United Kingdom with effect from today due to a new strain of COVID – 19 currently spreading across UK.

The decision was taken at the daily meeting of COVID – 19 Prevention Committee  held at the Presidential Secretariat today (22) following a review of the new strain of the virus and its spread.

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His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has stated that if the ecosystem is protected, the country’s water resources will become a major source of income for the country in the future. The Cardinal stated this when addressing Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena who paid a courtesy call at his official residence today (22) to offer greetings to His Eminence for the upcoming Christmas season.

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In the wake of the discovery of a fast spreading new strain of Coronavirus in certain countries, the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to continue with the existing procedure of obtaining prior approval from the Foreign Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority for all inbound travellers to Sri Lanka.

The revised guidelines on repatriation will be issued once the situation has been reappraised.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 December 2020

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was invited by the Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu to represent Sri Lanka at the Global Business Summit 2020 on 16 December 2020. The summit was co-hosted by the Governments of Estonia and the United Arab Emirates.

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Defence Adviser of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, Brigadier Swarna Bothota received the donation on behalf of the Sri Lanka Army from Lt Cdr (Rtd) Kapila De Alwis and Maj (Rtd) S. Sathanandan.

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The London-based think-tank Legatum Institute launched the 14^th Legatum Prosperity Index on 17 November 2020. One of the main highlights of this year’s index was the improvement in Sri Lanka’s education and healthcare sectors over the past decade. According to the Index, these improvements were key to increase in prosperity within Sri Lanka.

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We wish to inform those who make inquiries on applying for visas for Sri Lanka that the temporary suspension of the issuance of visas put in place due to COVID-19 pandemic still continues. Accordingly, the issuance of all categories of Sri Lanka visas for all foreign nationals remains suspended until further notice. (For further details please visit:  

http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=337&lang=en

Therefore, please note that at present the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK does not accept applications for the issuance of any type of Sri Lanka visas for foreign nationals.

11 August 2020

The UK Home Office has published on 29 July, the latest guidance about visa extensions for persons in the UK with leave expiring between 24 January and 31 July 2020.

Accordingly, UK visa holders having a visa or leave that was due to expire between the 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020 and unable to leave the UK  prior to the expiry of their visas because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus (COVID-19) will be given an extra month’s grace period within the UK to 31 August 2020.

However, it has been advised that since the  travel restrictions are lifting globally, such persons will no longer be able to extend their visas automatically on this basis and are advised to take all reasonable steps to leave the UK where it is possible to do so or apply to regularise their stay in the UK.

For further details  please visit  the link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents#history.