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

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK Saroja Sirisena met the Minister of State for South and Central Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 11 January 2022 ahead of his forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka.

The meeting entailed discussion on issues of mutual interest in Sri Lanka – UK bilateral relations such as investment opportunities for UK companies in Sri Lanka, enhancing political relations between the two countries, partnership in education, employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in the UK and forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London

14 January 2022

The staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom commenced work for the year 2022 by organising a special programme at the High Commission premises.

The programme commenced with the singing of the National Anthem by the staff of the High Commission and observing two minutes’ silence to commemorate war heroes and those who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the Motherland. This was followed by affirming the Public Servants’ Oath.

High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena in her remarks thanked the staff for the cooperation and support extended to achieve the objectives of the High Commission during the past challenging year. She also highlighted the importance of upholding the highest standards of integrity and commitment to discharge duties towards the benefit of all Sri Lankans. » Read more

Notice

The Consular Section of this High Commission will be open from Monday 03rd January 2022 & any consular services other than pension matters please visit the following link to make an appointment.

https://hclappontments.embassyonline.lk/

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London

Notice

As per the Covid 19 guidelines of the UK Government the Consular Section of this High Commission will be closed from Monday 20^th December 2021 until further notice.  For any urgent matter, please contact via following emails or 07399501824.

mail@slhc-london.co.uk
attcons@slhc-london.co.uk
consular.london@mfa.gov.lk

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London participated in a Ceylon Tea Tasting event which was organised in Stafford in the West Midlands. The 4-day Ceylon tea tasting event was organised by the Managing Director of Stafford International Supermarket Roshan Uyanwatte. » Read more

Trade Familiarization is one of the key promotional activities conducted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) to promote the destination among potential travellers and companies. » Read more

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London held its annual Deepavali celebrations on 19 November 2021 at the High Commission premises, with the attendance of British Sri Lankan community, Councillors, UK Government representatives, and other dignitaries.

Celebrations commenced with Hindu religious observances led by Sivashri Eladchumi Thiyagaraja Kurukkal from Vel Murugan Temple in Watford, who invoked blessings on those who were present at the occasion, as well as on Sri Lanka and its people. » Read more

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa participating at the World Leaders Summit of the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) addressed the plenary on 01 November 2021.

He stated that Sri Lanka as a developing tropical island nation with abundant biodiversity, is deeply aware of the impacts of climate change, and its rich philosophical heritage, shaped by Lord Buddha’s teachings, places great value on environmental integrity. He also called upon all nations to work together in a spirit of true cooperation to overcome climate crisis and sustain humanity and the planet. » Read more

Chairperson
Excellencies
Delegates,

This event takes place at a critical time for humanity.

As a developing tropical island nation with abundant biodiversity, Sri Lanka is deeply aware of the impacts of climate change.

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Ayubowan.

It gives me great pleasure to address you this evening and I am very happy to see such an illustrious turnout at this event.

As we are all aware, climate change is one of the greatest crises the world currently faces.

The leaders of nearly all countries are meeting over the next two days to discuss and hopefully commit to actions that will start leading us out of it.

» Read more

Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris visited Jesus College, University of Cambridge, for a discussion of issues relating to Sri Lanka and the way forward.

Among those participating were Professor Sir Ivan Lawrence QC, the Rt. Hon. Sir Rupert Jackson PC QC, Professor Mads Andenas QC, Professor Andy Haynes, Professor Barry Rider, Ms Kim Hollis QC and Dr. Dominic Thomas – James.

The Foreign Minister thanked the legal luminaries for their kindness in participating in the discussion and for their valuable insights and suggestions.

In London, separately, Minister Peiris met former Foreign Minister of Australia and currently Director of the International School for Government in the United Kingdom Lord Daniel Brennan QC and Alexander Downer.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

31 October, 2021

Ms. Maryaam Rehman, Director, British Council
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to deliver this final keynote address at the “Youth in Climate Action” Virtual Conference.  My congratulations to the British Council for organizing this virtual conference on a very timely and important topic, especially as the world eagerly awaits the outcome of the COP 26 which is to commence shortly in Glasgow. » Read more

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris met the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Elizabeth Truss on 26 October 2021 at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Minister Prof Peiris informed Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss that having fully vaccinated about 82% of the eligible population, life is getting back to normalcy in Sri Lanka. He informed that tourism which collapsed during the pandemic is picking up with modest numbers and other businesses are also picking up. He stated that Sri Lankan apparel industry which remained resilient even during the height of the pandemic was able to shift to produce other items such as Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs). » Read more

Sri Lanka can be voted for Wanderlust Travel Awards 2021 under the following two categories;

• 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐥 – 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚
• 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐥 – 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞

The link to vote  https://wanderlusttravelawards.com/awards/ (Vote Here section)

Voting closes on October 22, 2021

» Read more

High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena and the staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London was invited for an official visit to the Natural History Museum in London on 15 October 2021.

The Natural History Museum in London is a world-class visitor attraction that welcomes more than 5 million visitors annually and a leading science research centre which contains estimated 80 million specimens representing global biological and geological biodiversity. The Museum first opened its doors on 18 April 1881. It remained a part of the British Museum until 1963 and was officially renamed ‘The Natural History Museum’ in 1992.

» Read more

The Government of Sri Lanka has targeted to achieve 70% of the electricity demand of country from Renewable Energy (RE) sources by 2030.

In this regard, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) jointly invites proposals from prospective Investors (foreign and/or local), to invest and setup renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka to develop and generate electrical energy through Solar (Floating/Ground Mounted), Wind (Ground based/Offshore) and Biomass etc. and supply such electrical energy to the Ceylon Electricity Board of Sri Lanka. » Read more

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris addressed the diplomatic community at the Foreign Ministry auditorium on 13 October 2021. The Colombo-based diplomatic community was present at the meeting which was conducted under the approved COVID-19 related guidelines.

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As a gesture of goodwill to appreciate the service rendered by the iconic veterans of the British Army, a Ceylon tea tasting session was organised by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on 30 September 2021.

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Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris co-chaired a meeting with the Minister of Youth & Sports, Minister of Development Co-ordination and Monitoring & State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Development Namal Rajapaksa, at the Foreign Ministry on 06 October 2021. State Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Market Diversification Piyankara Jayaratne and State Minister of State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish & Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multi day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports Kanchana Wijesekera participated in the meeting. » Read more

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එක්සත් රාජධානියේ  ශ්‍රී ලංකා මහ කොමසාරිස් කාර්යාලය සම්බන්ධයෙන් සමාජ මාධ්‍ය වල මේ දිනවල සංසරණය වන පුවතක්  සම්බන්ධව අපගේ අවධානය යොමුව ඇත.

එහි සඳහන් කරුණු සියල්ලම සත්‍යයෙන් තොර, පදනම් විරහිත, නිසි සොයා බැලීමකින් තොරව සහ ද්වේශ සහගත අරමුණින්  සිදුකරන ලද අභූත චෝදනා වේ. » Read more

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris received High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton, and conducted an open and wide-ranging discussion in Colombo on Tuesday (28). During the engagement, Minister Peiris and the UK Envoy discussed several key issues pertaining to the close bilateral relationship between the two countries. » Read more

Invitation for Bids

Invitation for international bid proposals from reputed and experienced agencies for selection of a Destination Representation Company in the UK to facilitate PR and Communication activities of Global Communication Campaign 2021 – 2025

Tender Ref. No. SLTPB/GCC/2020/DA/005

The Chairman, Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee of Ministry of Tourism invites sealed bid proposals from reputed and experienced agencies for selection of a Destination Representation Company in the UK to facilitate PR and Communication activities of Global Communication Campaign 2021 – 2025, in coordination with Campaign Management Unit on behalf of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). » Read more

Speech of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at 76th UN General Assembly –
New York, September 22, 2021

» Read more

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris stated that the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) has a vital role to play and can render yeoman service under the current circumstances to all its Member and Observer States, when the Executive Director of CICA Kairat Sarybay paid a courtesy call on the Minister in New York.

» Read more

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s active commitment to dialogue and engagement with the Commonwealth at a virtual meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland in New York. » Read more

Mr. Chairman, distinguished panelists, ladies, and gentlemen. Both the Maltese Minister and the Rector in their remarks spoke of the interface between religion and foreign policy. There is clearly an interface. The Rector, in her concluding remarks, also used the word ‘cynical’. There’s also a great deal of cynicism and skepticism that is all too evident, and I think there is a fundamental cause for this. There is the widespread conviction that foreign policy decisions are often made without any regard to ethical or moral factors. It is a question of loyalty to a group to which one happens to belong and then uncritically one follows a course of action that is dictated by that group. There is no attempt to search one’s own conscience, decide what is wrong, what is right in a particular situation.

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State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya undertook an official visit to Russia from 5– 8 September 2021, to participate at the opening of the Sri Lanka pavilion at the “OTDYKH Leisure Fair” and a Sri Lanka tourism promotion campaign in Moscow. Sri Lanka’s participation at these events were organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau targeting the winter season tourists from Russia.

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Today, 11 September 2021, marks 20 years since the terrorist attacks perpetrated on the United States of America (USA) causing loss of life and limb to many innocent people from the USA as well as many other nationalities.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe disruptions to the health, safety, and livelihoods of people around the world. Therefore, multilateralism and international cooperation provide the best possible means to effectively and sustainably defeat the pandemic.

» Read more

The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister will shortly make a visit to Bologna, Italy, to participate in an international event which is to be graced by the Prime Minister of Italy and other dignitaries from Italy and other European countries.

» Read more

The ‘SLHC and APSL Research Symposium 2021’ organised by the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK and Association of Professional Sri Lankans (APSL) in the UK was held virtually on 01 September 2021 with representations of 25 universities in Sri Lanka and the UK.  The main objective of the Research Symposium was to provide a platform to Sri Lankan researchers (PhD/MPhil) to showcase their research work to academics of the two countries, and vice versa, and to provide an opportunity for the researchers to interact with experts in their respective fields of study.

» Read more

Please scan the QR code or click on the below link to register

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K_tP-86gRz-Sjc_I01D0VA

Thank You.

The Government of Sri Lanka has been made aware that the UK Home Secretary has decided to maintain the proscription of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization under the UK Terrorism Act No. 7 of 2000.

The Home Secretary’s decision, which has been taken following the judgement of the Proscribed Organizations Appeals Commission (POAC), rejects the application of a LTTE front organization to de-proscribe the LTTE in the UK.

» Read more

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris and the staff of the Foreign Ministry express their deepest condolences on the passing away of former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

The late Minister Mangala Samaraweera served two terms as the Foreign Minister from 2005-2007 and 2015-2017.  He will be remembered for his commitment and dedication to duty, for the values he stood for and for his humane qualities. Sri Lanka has lost a leader who was deeply committed to the welfare and development of his country.

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The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and is closely monitoring developments. Our primary concern is the safety and security of Sri Lankans living in Afghanistan and evacuating them to safety or back to Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the governments of USA, UK, India, Pakistan and the United Nations to assist in evacuating the Sri Lankans in Afghanistan, should they desire to do so. Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has during meetings with relevant envoys requested their assistance to the Sri Lankans in Afghanistan. The Government of Sri Lanka is ready to provide whatever facilities needed for this purpose. Of the total number of Sri Lankans in Afghanistan numbering eighty six (86), so far forty six (46) have already been evacuated. As of today, twenty (20) Sri Lankans are expecting to return from Afghanistan and Foreign Ministry is making arrangements for their evacuation. Meanwhile, twenty (20) other Sri Lankans have expressed their willingness to stay back in Afghanistan.

  » Read more

Invitation for international bid proposals from reputed and experienced agencies for selection of a Destination Representation Company in the UK to facilitate PR and Communication activities of Global Communication Campaign 2021 – 2025

Tender Ref. No. SLTPB/GCC/2020/DA/005

The Chairman, Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee of Ministry of Tourism invites sealed bid proposals from reputed and experienced agencies for selection of a Destination Representation Company in the UK to facilitate PR and Communication activities of Global Communication Campaign 2021 – 2025, in coordination with Campaign Management Unit on behalf of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

» Read more

The newly appointed Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris assumed duties at the Ministry today (18 August, 2021) at a simple ceremony graced by outgoing Foreign Minister and the new Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena; State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya; State Minister of Women and Child Development, Preschools & Primary Education, School Infrastructure & Education Services Piyal Nishantha De Silva;  Member of Parliament and General Secretary of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Sagara Kariyawasam; Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and other officials. The Buddhist clergy led by the chief incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero invoked blessings on the occasion.

» Read more

The Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka, jointly with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, organized a virtual business to business (B2B) interactive session on 17 August, 2021, with the Member States of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to enhance tourism cooperation. About 100 tourism industry experts representing the public and private sector from twenty-seven CICA Member States participated in the webinar. The discussions focused on the importance and benefits of international collective efforts and joint endeavors to build a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector in the post-pandemic era.

» Read more

The Foreign Ministry wishes to clarify the following with regard to the current situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing efforts to evacuate Sri Lankan nationals there:

• The Foreign Ministry is currently in the process of working with international partners to facilitate the return of Sri Lankan nationals in Afghanistan, if they wish to return.

  » Read more

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated that the late Lakshman Kadirgamar was a great Minister born in Sri Lanka and an excellent and exemplary leader. Minister Gunawardena made these observations after paying a floral tribute to the statue of the late Lakshman Kadirgamar at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Centre in Colombo on the occasion of his 16th death anniversary. State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, Parliamentarians Suren Raghavan, Yadamini Gunawardena, Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Mrs. Kadirgamar and a group of officials from the Foreign Ministry were also present at the event.

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Mr. President, Hon. Ministers, Chair of the 46^th CCM, Heads of Delegations, Secretary General of The Colombo Plan, Heads and Representatives of International Organizations, Foreign Secretary Admiral Colombage, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends.

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Addressing the inaugural session of the 47^th Consultative Committee Meeting of The Colombo Plan on August 11, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that The Colombo Plan’s work and experience in the areas of socio-economic development will be a source of strength as member countries grapple with the challenges of the post-pandemic world. As the global climate calls for even more focus on social and economic development, The Colombo Plan member states must build upon existing cooperation and explore new avenues for cooperation in a new and challenging global environment.

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The COP26 Regional Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific and South Asia Ken O’Flaherty congratulated Sri Lanka for timely submission of its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with ambitious commitments on renewable energy and net zero carbon, as well as a pledge for “no more coal.” He reiterated that the commitment at the highest level of policy making is the strength behind such ambitious commitments and it would no doubt bring wide accolades to Sri Lanka. Ambassador O’Flaherty also stated that there are a wide range of opportunities for countries when they submit NDCs with clear ambitious targets, not only for climate financing grants, but also for attracting foreign investors who are increasingly focusing on countries with clear de-carbonizing mechanisms in their policies. He reiterated that overall Net Zero Carbon by 2050 is an important target accepted by an increasing number of countries.

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State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, speaking at the 28th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) held virtually on 6 August 2021, emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment for enhanced cooperation with the ARF. The State Minister Balasuriya appreciated the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) for the initiatives to empower youth, sustainable use of ocean resources and promoting successful ocean based trading system, as well as combating and preventing cybercrime in the context of developing a digital economy through a collective mechanism.  Sri Lanka further expressed its commitment to work in tandem with ARF and contribute, with a focused effort, to promote ideas and best practices. State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya represented Sri Lanka at the meeting which was chaired by the Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam Dato Erywan Yusof.

» Read more

Witness Sri Lanka’s oldest and most splendid annual parade showing the cultural essence of Sri Lanka!

Tune into the live stream from 13th to 23rd August 2021 from 7 pm onwards SLST (+5.30GMT) via www.facebook.com/tourismsrilanka.gov.lk

Addressing the first International Forum on COVID-19 Vaccine Cooperation held virtually on 05 August 2021, Foreign Minister Gunawardena called for enhanced global efforts to forge closer cooperation between countries to enable the availability and affordability of COVID-19 vaccines to everyone in line with SDG 3 target to ensure access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

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The Programme on Decentralization of Consular Services within the purview of the Foreign Ministry is underway. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage points out that this Programme is being conducted under the instructions and guidance of the Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, in accordance with the scheme by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to bring public services to the village. Secretary Colombage also points out that the three Regional Consular offices in Kandy, Trincomalee and Kurunegala districts have been dedicated to public service in the previous ten months under the present Government and that preliminary action has been taken to establish two other Regional offices in Badulla and Ampara districts before the end of this year.

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The video can be viewed through the following link.

https://youtu.be/RQp9Zda_FTE

The attention of this Ministry was drawn to a video circulating on social media of a pair of shoes, bearing the NIKE logo and LTTE insignia.

On inquiry, NIKE, Inc. confirmed that the shoes depicted in the video have not been manufactured by NIKE.

The NIKE, Inc. also informed that they would investigate to ascertain the abuse of intellectual property and conduct appropriate enforcement as per company practice.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

31 July, 2021

Between 30-50% of mangroves have been lost over the past 50 years. New approaches for the restoration of mangroves are emerging; benefiting from new, low-cost technologies and supporting the resilience of local communities through empowered engagement and innovative funding. As has been underlined by the recent X-Press Pearl disaster, off the coast of Sri Lanka, coastal mangrove ecosystems are vulnerable to a wide range of possible stressors, which requires reliable monitoring and response plans.

» Read more

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open a Regional Consular Office of the Foreign Ministry in Kurunegala virtually on 27 July 2021. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Highways & Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando, Provincial Governor for North-Western Province Raja Kollure, State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, and several other dignitaries joined the opening ceremony.

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The Government of New Zealand with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Mr. Michael Edward Appleton as the first High Commissioner of New Zealand to Sri Lanka based in Colombo. He has presented credentials to H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka on 22 July 2021 at 10.30 a.m. at President’s House, Colombo 01.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

22 July, 2021

Hajj Message of President

 “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities” 

Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, 15-16 July 2021

Your Excellency Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzebkistan,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to participate in this high-level forum dedicated to discussing the very relevant topic of connectivity between two important and dynamic regions in the world today: Central and South Asia.  I would like to commend His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for organising this timely forum bringing together the views of diverse countries on one platform in spite of the challenges posed globally by the COVID-19 pandemic.  This is also an opportune moment to discuss connectivity, when Uzbekistan and the other Central Asian countries mark their third decade as independent nations this year.

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Joint Media Release

(The Foreign Ministry and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka launches the Submarine Cable Protection and Resilience Framework

On 15 July 2021, at a stakeholder meeting chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. P. B. Jayasundara launched the Submarine Cable Protection and Resilience Framework.

Sri Lanka is the first country in Asia to come up with such a Framework and it would have not been possible, if not for generous support of the Government of Japan through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Global Maritime Crimes Programme (GMCP).

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The Government of Sri Lanka has apprised the European Union (EU) of progress in specific areas of reconciliation, as part of its regular engagement and dialogue with the organization.  Accordingly, the Foreign Ministry on 25 June, informed the EU of action underway to revisit provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No 48 of 1979, with the study of existing legislation, past practice, and international best practices.

» Read more

High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena and the members of the staff at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London participated at the Poson celebrations organised by the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre in Kingsbury under the aegis of the Chief Incumbent Aggamahapandita Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi, MBE on 24 June 2021.

The highlight of the celebrations was the display of a colourful pandal depicting the life story of Bhikkhuni Patachara which was inaugurated by High Commissioner Sirisena. The pandal which is 65 feet tall is the largest Poson pandal ever displayed in Europe. It was displayed at the forecourt of the temple premises for a period of one week.

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Sri Lanka’s Control of Pesticides Act No. 33 of 1980 and the National Policy and Action Plan on Prevention of Suicide of 1997 are among the five inspiring and impactful laws and policies that won the Future Policy Award 2021.

The Award, often referred to as the ‘Oscar on Best Polices’ is celebrating the most effective policy solutions that minimise the adverse effects of exposure to chemicals on human health and the environment. The above two policies from Sri Lanka have contributed to one of the greatest decreases in suicide rates ever achieved in the world. They have saved about 93,000 lives over 20 years at a direct government cost of less than USD 50 per life.

» Read more

Addressing the Asia-Pacific High Level Conference on Belt and Road Cooperation virtually on 23 June, 2021, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunwardena stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation among states and other partners in addressing the COVID-19 challenges, including by recognizing the vaccines as global public health good. He also highlighted Sri Lanka’s policy focus and thrust on sustainable development with renewable energy as a national priority.

» Read more

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.

» Read more

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.

» Read more

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 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.

» Read more

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.

» Read more

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 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.

» Read more

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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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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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

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

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.