Statement Issued by the Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra

June 24, 2020

STATEMENT

The attention of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Australia has been drawn to certain politically motivated social media posts in Australia.

The High Commission wishes to express its serious concern over the disinformation and racially-charged statements that may engender disharmony, tension and division among the heterogeneous community of Sri Lankan origin domiciled in Australia and the Mission is of the view that such baseless assertions may adversely impact their peaceful- coexistence. Read More »

Revised Instructions on PCR testing and Quarantine procedures for DPLs entering Sri Lanka

June 7, 2020

Following the revised instructions issued on 4 June 2020 by the Presidential Secretariat on the PCR testing and quarantine procedures for the members of the Diplomatic corps based/attached in Colombo when they enter/re-enter Sri Lanka in order to prevent and minimize the risk of the spread of the Coronavirus, the Ministry of Foreign Relations, took immediate action to convey the same to all Diplomatic Missions, the Representation Offices of the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, International Organizations, Honorary Consulates resident in Colombo through diplomatic channels.

The revised instructions state as follows:

–       The respective Diplomatic Missions may inform the Ministry of Foreign Relations (MFR) by a Note Verbal, the details of the diplomats and their family members who are scheduled for entry/ re-entry into Sri Lanka for the diplomatic assignments well in advance in order to obtain the prior approval from the concerned authorities.

–       The members of the Diplomatic staff and their family members need to submit PCR test reports obtained within 72 hours prior to their departure from respective countries.

–       If the members of the Diplomatic staff and their family members are unable to provide PCR test reports, they would be subjected to a mandatory PCR test at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake.

–       Heads of Mission and family members will self-quarantine at the Official Residences.  All other arriving Diplomatic staff and their family members will have to follow quarantine procedures at a hotel, recommended by the Government of Sri Lanka (if independent/separate residences are not available), for a period of 14 days, subject to concurrence and supervision of the Heads of Mission.

–       The Diplomatic Missions/Representations need to inform the Ministry of Foreign Relations once the 14-day home quarantine is completed and submit the second PCR test report done by the Mission before the Officer resumes duties in the Mission as per the measures taken by the Mission to control and prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

–       The Diplomatic Missions/Representations have to forward the travel details of the Diplomatic staff and their family members at least 48 hours prior to their departure to the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry.

The Foreign Ministry further notes that travel by Diplomatic Officers to Sri Lanka will be approved, subject to their concurrence to follow the above procedures issued by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Ministry of Foreign Relations                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Colombo

5 June 2020

Poson Poya Day Message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka

June 5, 2020

Poson Poya Day Message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka

The Message of H.E.the President of Sri Lanka on the World Environment Day 2020

June 5, 2020

The Message of H.E.the President of Sri Lanka on the World Environment Day 2020

Direct returnees from overseas for quarantine after PCR test results are known – President

June 5, 2020

Direct returnees from overseas for quarantine after PCR test results are known – President

• Everyone will have the opportunity to return to Motherland
• Medi lab at airport premises
• Possibility to conduct PCR tests in relevant countries explored

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed the officials to send returnees from foreign countries for quarantine only after results of PCR tests conducted at the airport itself are known.

President also said to accommodate them at a separate location equipped with all the necessary facilities until the test results are released.

President issued these directives during a discussion with the members of the Task Force entrusted with COVID – 19 control and medical consultants at the Presidential Secretariat today (4).

Issues emerged during the conduct of PCR tests and sending returnees from abroad, especially those who are from Middle East, for quarantine were discussed in depth at the meeting.

It was decided to set up a laboratory at the airport premises in order to speed up obtaining results of PCR tests. Since the pandemic may last for a considerable time, President highlighted the importance of having such a facility at the airport.

It was also decided to explore the possibility of conducting PCR tests in relevant countries themselves with the direct mediation of the Sri Lankan Government or with the support of those countries.

The early detection of the infected in this manner will ease difficulties that could arise when sending them to hospitals and quarantine.

President said that opportunities should avail as soon as possible for everyone who wishes to return to the Motherland.

Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Governor of the Western Province Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, Principal Advisor to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary Defence Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Major General (Dr.) Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Commanders of Tri-Forces, Acting Inspector-General of Police, the members of the Task Force, Director General of Health Services and consultant doctors participated in this meeting.

Mohan Karunaratne

Deputy Director

04.06.2020

Media release by president media division

Interview of Foreign Secretary on “Get Real” with Mahieash Johnney on Foreign Relations amid COVID – 19 – Ada Derana 24

June 2, 2020

Message of H.E.the President on the occasion of Ramazan

May 25, 2020

My heartiest greetings to all Muslims in Sri Lanka, who celebrate the Ramazan or Eid-ul-fitr together with the Islam devotees around the World.

Ramazan or Eid-ul-fitr is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic religious calendar observed by the Muslim community after a month of fasting, and sighting of the crescent moon.

Sawm or the fasting during the month of Ramazan better known as one of Five Pillars of Islam conveys the message of importance of adhering to an exemplary practice while abstaining from physical luxuries. This period of abstinence is a great opportunity to develop a sensitivity towards the starving people in the world as well as to practice the ability of self-control.

The Ramazan rituals show that one could create a peaceful living environment in an era like this, when the entire world is facing a highly complex crisis hitherto not existed in the history, only through being conscious of others’ sentiments, while being inclined to achieve self-control in all spheres. The spirit of Islamic brotherhood existed in the Sri Lankan society since ancient times is exemplary to the world. We should never allow any harm to that brotherhood due to acts of a small number of extremists. The true Islamic devotees believe that the extremist beliefs are against the core values of Islam. Hence, I believe that we should strongly commit to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran while eliminating the mistrust and suspicion during this period of Ramazan.

I extend my best wishes to all Islam devotees in Sri Lanka as well as around the world and may the spirit of the month of Ramazan heal the world.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa

May 23^rd, 2020

Message of H.E.the President on the occasion of Ramazan (Sinhala Version)

Message of H.E.the President on the occasion of Ramazan (Tamil Version)                                            

Interview of Secretary/Foreign Relations on News 1st Newsline – 21 May 2020

May 22, 2020

Ranaviru Day Message of H.E the President

May 19, 2020

Ranaviru Day Message (Sinhala)

Ranaviru Day Message (Tamil)

Foreign Ministry and Foreign Missions contribute to COVID-19 Fund

May 19, 2020

The Ministry of Foreign Relations handed over Rs. 27.7 million to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday (May 14^th), raised through the network of Sri Lanka Missions overseas, to support COVID-19 Health Care and Social Security Fund.

Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha handed over the cheque to the President, in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena at the Presidential Secretariat.

The unprecedented response by the Sri Lankan community members, associations and well-wishers overseas despite Read More »