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

According to instructions received from Sri Lanka Health Authorities, all international Airports in Sri Lanka will be closed for operation of inward international commercial passenger flights (i.e arrivals) with effect from 0400hrs on 19 March 2020 (local time in Sri Lanka) until 2359hrs on 25 March 2020 (local time in Sri Lanka).

The closure will be reviewed by the Sri Lanka Authorities.

During the above mentioned restricted period the following will be permitted:

2. Aircraft Departures with passengers originating from Colombo, Stop overs, transit passengers or visiting tourists.
3. Emergency Diversions to Bandaranaike International Airport
4. Freighter Operations and humanitarian flights to Bandaranaike International Airport
5. Technical landings at Bandaranaike International Airport
6. Inbound ferry flights (without passengers) at Bandaranaike International Airport

Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha has requested foreign governments to facilitate the appropriate extension of visas for Sri Lankans currently visiting their countries, and facing difficulty to return to Sri Lanka on account of the travel bans that have and will become applicable as part of the control measures on COVID- 19. He noted that the Government of Sri Lanka had on Tuesday (17 March) announced a one-month extension of all types of visas for those foreign nationals presently in the country, from the date of expiry of their present visas. He said such reciprocal arrangements were a common practice, and hoped that this could be facilitated for Sri Lankans, to minimize the anxieties faced by those travelling, in these exceptional times.

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In view of the present circumstances of the rapid spread of COVID-19 globally, UK nationals have  been added to the list of nationals for whom the issuance of Sri Lanka visas will be temporarily suspended for two weeks from 16 March 2020 at 2359 hours (Sri Lanka Time) to 30 March 2020 at 2400 hrs (Local time).

All types of Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA), Entry Visas, Landing Endorsements, Multiple Entry Visas and Residence Visas that have already been granted will also be temporarily suspended and UK nationals holding such visas are kindly requested not to travel to Sri Lanka during this period as they will not be allowed to enter Sri Lanka.

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Towards limiting the transmission of COVID-19 and to ensure effective implementation of the travel restrictions imposed on the newly designated countries,  the Ministry of Foreign Relations has initiated action to regulate the consular services with effect from 15^th March midnight 1259 hrs in Brussels, London and Oslo.

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In view of the present circumstances of the rapid spread of COVID-19 globally, and in order to limit the spread of the virus among Sri Lankans who visit the Sri Lanka Missions overseas, the Ministry of Foreign Relations has decided to limit the provision of consular services in 11 Sri Lanka Missions overseas commencing 16 March until further notice.

These countries include Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden and Austria.

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On 10 March 2020, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Saroja Sirisena presented Letters of Credence to Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremonial event held at the Buckingham Palace.

High Commissioner Sirisena and her spouse, Dr. Sudath Talpahewa were escorted to the Buckingham Palace, accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner Samantha Pathirana, Minister (Commercial) Dr. Lakimini Mendis, Minister Counsellor (Defence) Brigadier D.B.S.N. Bothota and Counsellor (Commonwealth & Political Affairs) N.L.A. Haleem, by traditional horse carriages of the Royal Mews.

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The High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Saroja Sirisena assumed duties on 02 March 2020. She was received upon arrival at the London Heathrow Airport by the Special Representative of the UK Foreign Secretary Kathryn Colvin.

Prior to assumption of duties, religious observances and chanting of seth pirith was conducted by the Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain the Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thero at the London Buddhist Vihara. Addressing the High Commission Staff, High Commissioner-designate Sirisena emphasized the importance of working as a team to advance the national interests and welfare of Sri Lankans, and to further the friendly relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

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Agenda Item 2 General Debate: Presentation of the written update on the implementation of HRC Resolution 30/1 by the High Commissioner for Human Rights pursuant to HRC resolution 40/1, OHCHR Report on ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ (A/HRC/43/19)

 

27 February 2020

Statement by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations of Sri Lanka

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On the occasion of the 72^nd anniversary of independence of Sri Lanka, Minister of Foreign Relations, Dinesh Gunawardena hosted a High Tea for resident and non-resident envoys accredited to Sri Lanka on 04 February 2020 at the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

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