Month: August 2020
Joint Media Release – EDB and Foreign Ministry accelerate efforts to boost exports
The Export Development Board (EDB) and the Foreign Ministry are working closely together to increase the country’s export revenue and mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the export industry. Sri Lanka’s export income which stood at US$ 277 Mn in April 2020 has increased to US$ 1,090 Mn in July 2020 and is projected to grow in the coming months. There are several joint initiatives taken by the EDB and the Foreign Ministry to enhance exports. This includes identifying new market opportunities, creating awareness by disseminating market alerts, addressing supply chain issues, enhancing capacity building through webinars, and creating business linkages to support existing exporters to sustain their exports.
Sri Lanka donates Ceylon Tea to the Royal Hospital Chelsea
As a gesture of goodwill to appreciate the service rendered by the iconic veterans of the British Army, a donation of Ceylon tea was made by Sri Lanka to the Royal Hospital Chelsea on 26 August 2020.
The Sri Lanka Tea Board and seven leading tea producers in Sri Lanka, namely, Vintage Teas Ceylon Ltd, Tea Trends Export Ltd (New English Teas), English Tea Shop, Dilmah Ceylon Tea, Mlesna Ceylon Ltd, Stassen International Pvt Ltd and Akbar Brothers contributed to this generous donation.
State Ministry Secretaries appointed
Sri Lanka High Commission in London celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi at Sri Vel Murugan Temple in Lewisham
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi at Sri Vel Murugan Temple in Catford, Lewisham on Saturday, 22 August 2020.
Ganesh Chaturthi is an auspicious festival in the Hindu calendar which marks the birth of the Lord Ganesh.
The puja was conducted by the Head Priest of the temple, Sridhara kurukkal. He invoked blessings on the staff of the High Commission, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, and on the whole world to be rid of obstacles created by the current COVID19 pandemic.
Sri Vel Murugan Temple was started 23 years ago on hired community halls conducting puja on every Friday, and it was formally established at the current location in 2014. The Temple is being regularly patronised by Sri Lankan and Indian devotees.
Foreign Secretary Colombage speaks on the repatriation of Sri Lankans amid COVID-19
Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof.Jayanath Colombage was interviewed on “Big Focus” in regard to the repatriation of Sri Lankans amid COVID-19, which was telecast on Derana 24 Channel on 24 August 2020.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/
GET REAL with Mahiesh Johnney – Foreign Relations Under President Gotabaya
Full text of the Inaugural Address of the 9th Parliament, August 20, 2020
Notice to the Public – Consular Services
We wish to inform the general Public that the High Commission now provides consular services strictly with a prior appointment.
Therefore, those who wish to visit the High Commission for consular services are kindly requested to make an appointment through our online appointment management system by clicking the ‘Consular Appointments’ menu item on our website or visiting the link https://hclappontments.embassyonline.lk.
We wish to re-iterate that consular services are provided strictly with a prior appoint and we regret our inability to provide consular services to those who walk-in without prior appointments.
State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya reiterates need to strengthen relations with Asian neighbours
State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry today (19 August). The State Minister was received by Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage and other senior officials, upon his arrival at the Ministry. Religious observances were conducted to invoke blessings prior to the assumption of duties.