News
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.
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.
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 17th 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 1st 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.
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 31st 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 70th Independence Day on 4 February 2018 are ordered to pay costs to Major Gen Fernando.
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
