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

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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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