Facilitation of outward remittances to Sri Lankan students and those on short term visits abroad
April 23, 2020
1. With regard to foreign remittances, on 19th March 2020 Foreign Exchange Department of the Central Bank issued a directive to Authorized Dealers on Release of Foreign Currency Notes for Travel Purposes with a ceiling of USD 5,000. (Annex I). Please note that this is not applicable and/or arisen in the context of persons who have already left Sri Lanka for short term visits.
- Therefore, persons who have gone abroad for studies (under student or equivalent visas) or for medical purposes or on their behalf, persons in Sri Lanka are permitted to remit funds from Sri Lanka to cover expenses of university/tuition/training fees, living expenses, medical charges or as any related fees etc. through Authorized Dealers, that is already permitted as Current transactions under the Foreign Exchange Act (FEA).
- Further, on 9th April 2020 Central Bank issued a Press Release on ” The Government and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Introduce Further Measures to Preserve the Foreign Currency Reserve Position of Sri Lanka” (Annex II) which also clearly states that suspension is only on foreign currency remittances pertaining to capital transactions and NOT current transactions, (i.e. for educational and medical purposes, living expenses, etc.)
- Persons who have gone abroad for pursuing education (i.e. students) are recognized as persons resident in Sri Lanka for the purposes of FEA. Accordingly, such students can obtain Electronic Fund Transfer Cards (EFTCs) (i.e. credit/ debit cards) from Authorized Dealers in terms of the Directions issued under FEA to that effect.
- If anyone stranded abroad need to get his/her credit limit enhanced, it is a decision of the respective Authorized Dealer and there are no credit limits imposed under FEA on EFTCs.
- Persons who have gone abroad for short term purposes (other than the persons who have migrated or those who have left SL for employment abroad) are permitted to obtain EFTCs from ADs for making payments in foreign exchange to persons resident outside Sri Lanka in respect of personal nature current transactions.
- Foreign currency earners who have to repay loans in foreign currency and whose incomes have been adversely affected due to the Covid-19 outbreak can obtain a three (03) months postponement of repayment of loans. These borrowers should contact the respective banks before 30 April 2020.
Sri Lanka High commission in Canberra
22 April 2020
Remittance of Funds to Sri Lankans Abroad to pursue Studies and on Short Term Visit to Meet Their Expenses
April 21, 2020
“ETHERA METHERA” PROGRAMME TELECAST ON RUPAVAHINI
April 21, 2020
“EtheraMethera”programme on COVID-19 (Part 2) telecast on Rupavahini on 19 April 2020 at 6 pm featuring interviews with Mr Ravinatha Aryasinha, Secretary/ Foreign Relations and Mr W M V Wansekara, Actg General Manager, SLBFE.
Amidst COVID-19 President envisions a robust new economy
April 16, 2020
The Easter Message of H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka
April 14, 2020
The Easter Message of H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Tamil Version
The Easter Message of H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa English Version
Relaxation of Foreign Exchange Restrictions
April 14, 2020
The communication issued by the Government of Sri Lanka in regard to the relaxation of foreign exchange restrictions in Sri Lanka and opening of Special Deposit Accounts (SDA) with Sri Lanka Banks together with the relevant Government Gazette Notification dated 08.04.2020. Read More »
New bank account introduced to remit foreign currency earnings
April 14, 2020
“ The Government of Sri Lanka introduces a New Bank Account for all Sri Lankans living in and outside the country to remit their foreign currency earnings, savings and investments to any bank of their choice in Sri Lanka.”
New bank account introduced to remit foreign currency earnings Sinhala Version
New bank account introduced to remit foreign currency earnings Tamil Version
New bank account introduced to remit foreign currency earnings English Version
Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra
14 April 2020
New Year Message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka
April 12, 2020
New Year Message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena explores possibilities to assist Sri Lankan Migrant workers
April 11, 2020
Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations, Dinesh Gunawardena met with the Secretaries and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), today (10 April 2020), at the Ministry of Foreign Relations, to discuss ramifications emanating from the present Coronavirus pandemic to Sri Lankan migrant workers abroad and to explore possible mechanisms to assist these Sri Lankans.
Minister Gunawardena referring to approximately over 1 million Sri Lankan migrant workers, who are employed largely in the Middle East, South East Asia, East Asia, Europe, and Africa regions stated that the interests of these Sri Lankans need to be looked into by the two Ministries. During the meeting, he specifically drew the attention of the senior officials to the needs of the migrant workers, who are employed in the Gulf region. Minister Gunawardena said that measures taken by the host countries in this region to curb the spread of the Coronavirus has adversely affected the migrant workers and instructed senior officials to explore solutions to these implications.
The issues of unregistered migrant workers under the SLBFE, those who have recently lost their jobs and issues relating to remittances, were discussed at the meeting, to explore practical solutions, so those migrant workers of Sri Lanka could be assisted well during this challenging time. The Foreign Minister also said that the Government of Sri Lanka would take every possible step to assist and safeguard the rights and wellbeing of Sri Lankan migrant workers all over the world.
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha, Secretary to the Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations, D.M. Sarath Abayagunawardana and other Senior Officials who attended the meeting shared their views and insights on the current situation of migrant workers and emphasized that the two Ministries will work closely for the betterment of the migrant workers.
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Colombo
10 April 2020
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