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.
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena assumes duties
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry on Monday 17 August 2020.
Minister Gunawardena was received by Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and other senior officials upon his arrival at the Ministry. Following multi-religious observances, the Minister officially assumed duties.
New Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage assumes duties
Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage (PhD) assumed duties as the Secretary to the Foreign Ministry today (14 August) following the appointment to the position by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The new Foreign Secretary Admiral Colombage was warmly received by the senior officials of the Foreign Ministry this morning, upon arrival at the Ministry.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC -Suspension of issuance of visas for Sri Lanka
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
‘Seventh SriLankan Airlines repatriation flight UL 504 to Bandaranaike International Airport carrying 106 passengers left Heathrow International Airport, London on 11 August 2020’
New Cabinet Ministers sworn in before the President.
Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn in as Prime Minister
The leader of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as the 13th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The swearing in ceremony took place at the historic Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya this morning (9).
Elected to the post for the fourth time, Mr. Rajapaksa served two terms as the Executive President of the country from 2005 to 2015.