Notice to Sri Lankan nationals on short term Visas to the UK

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.

The Statement by Sri Lanka at the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association was made by Ms Dayani Mendis, Actg. Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva on 9 July 2020

44th Session of the Human Rights Council

Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

09 July 2020

Statement by Sri Lanka

Mr. Vice President,

Sri Lanka thanks Mr. Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for the report on his visit to Sri Lanka from 18-26 July 2019 (A/HRC/44/50/Add.1). The Government of Sri Lanka shared its comments on the contents of the Special Rapporteur’s advanced unedited report, some of which have been incorporated into the final version that has been presented today. At this interactive dialogue, we wish to share some further comments on matters contained in the report, and provide updates where available.

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HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE OF THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL ON “PEACE OPERATIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS” – 7th July 2020

Written statement by the Sri Lanka delegation

Mr. President,

In an era where humanity is threatened with inter-state conflicts, intra-state frictions, asymmetrical threats posed by non-state actors, natural disasters, health related issues and a variety of other challenges, Sri Lanka appreciates Germany’s efforts to initiate discussion on the timely subject of  “Peace Operations and Human Rights”. My delegation wishes Germany every success as President of the Security Council for the month of July and is confident that it will be a productive tenure.

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The Statement by Sri Lanka at the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants was made by Ms Dayani Mendis, Actg. Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva on 6 July 2020.

Madam President,

Sri Lanka welcomes the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.

The contribution of migrant workers to economic growth and development is increasingly becoming critical not only for their own countries, but also as a catalyst for the upward socio-economic mobility in the region and internationally.

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Laying of the foundation stone for a stupa at the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara

Ven. Dr. Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero (O.B.E.), the Chief Incumbent of Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara addressing the gathering

The foundation stone for a stupa at the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara was laid on 05 July 2020 by the High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena and the diplomatic officers of the Sri Lanka High Commission in London.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Incumbent of the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara and the President of the Midlands International Buddhist Association in the UK, Ven. Dr. Witharandeniye Kassapa Thero – O.B.E. appreciated the High Commission’s participation.  The stupa is said to become the largest in Europe.

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