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 15th March midnight 1259 hrs in Brussels, London and Oslo.
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.
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.
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.
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
Acting High Commissioner Samantha Pathirana hoisting the National Flag of Sri Lanka at the Sri Lanka High Commission
The Sri Lanka High Commission in London celebrated the 72nd Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka at the High Commission premises on Tuesday 04 February 2020 with the Sri Lankan community living in the United Kingdom. The ceremony included hoisting of the national flag, singing the national anthem, conduct of multi-faith religious observances, observing two minutes silence in honour of all those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the Motherland, reading of independence day messages of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena, and address of the gathering by the Acting High Commissioner. The programme ended with the serving of refreshments including kiribath and traditional sweet meats.
Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal with the Minister of State for International Trade The Rt Hon Conor Burns MP.
Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal who was on a visit to the United Kingdom called on the Minister of State for International Trade The Rt Hon Conor Burns MP on 28 January 2020. During the meeting, Minister Burns assured that the EU GSP+ concession regime will continue to be applicable for Sri Lanka’s exports to the UK following Brexit on 31 January 2020 until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. Minister Burns further informed that the UK intends to introduce an independent trade preference scheme after 31 December 2020. The discussion also focussed on economic cooperation, ease of doing business and the strengthening of investment opportunities for British companies and joint ventures in Sri Lanka.
