Statement by Hon. Tilak Marapana Minister of Foreign Affairs In 37th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

March 23, 2018

Statement by

Hon. Tilak Marapana, PC., MP

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

  Read More »

Media Release by SLTPB : Update on Current situation in Sri Lanka

March 21, 2018

SLINTEC Delegation on productive visit to Melbourne

March 20, 2018

A delegation from the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), headed by Mr. Harin de Silva Wijeyeratne, Chief Executive Officer, and comprising Professor Gehan Amaratunga, Chief of Research & Innovation, Dr. Shehan De Silva, Senior Scientist/Head of Strategic Planning, and Dr. Lakshitha Pahalagedera, Head of Business Development, undertook a successful visit to Melbourne from 12 to 15 March 2018. Read More »

Dr Ben Dayaratne appointed Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Darwin

March 14, 2018

Sri Lanka has appointed Dr Ruhunage Don Bennet Dayaratne (Ben Dayaratne) as the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Darwin, Northern Territory.

Dr Dayaratne is a Consultant Paediatrician and has been practicing in Darwin for over 40 years; first at the Royal Darwin Hospital and later in his own private practice where he continues to work. Dr Dayaratne has also worked in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka where he received his education. He is a graduate of the University of Ceylon Faculty of Medicine and continued post graduate education in the United Kingdom. Read More »

Mr Panditha  Bandara appointed Hony Consul for Sri Lanka in Papua New Guinea

February 27, 2018

Mr. Panditha Mudiyanselage Nawaratne Bandara, Senior Lecturer in Accounting & Head of Accounting, Banking & Finance Division of the School of Business and Public Policy in the University of Papua New Guinea has been appointed as the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Papua New Guinea.

Mr Bandara holds a Master of Business Administration from the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Jayewardenepura University (1994) and a Bachelor of Arts from University of Sri Lanka, Vidyodaya Campus (1977). He is an Associate Member of the Certified Practicing Accountants, Papua New Guinea (CPA, PNG), Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, (CIPFA) UK.

He has written many text books on accounting and business studies for educational institutions in PNG. Mr Bandara received the ‘Member of Logohu’ award by the Governor General of Papua New Guinea Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae for his contribution to higher education, in particular the accounting profession and accounting education in PNG over the last 16 years.

Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra

27 February 2018

President condoles over demise of Ms. Una McCauley

February 26, 2018

Tea Party to celebrate 70th anniversary of independence

February 14, 2018

The Sri Lanka High Commission hosted a tea party to diplomatic envoys in Canberra and Australians government officials on 12th February to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.

The envoys were served a refreshing glass of iced tea on arrival to quench their thirst on a hot February afternoon in Canberra. They were then invited to browse the photo exhibition depicting significant moments from Sri Lanka Australia relations spanning over 70 years. Following the formal proceedings High Commissioner S. Skandakumar and the Chief of Protocol Ms Lyndall Sachs cut the special cake to mark the occasion. Read More »

Life Saving Victoria partners with Sri Lanka Life Saving on drowning prevention and water safety

February 9, 2018

A group of 13 female members of the tourism industry, business community, media and those within Sri Lanka Life Saving are currently in Australia on a two week Fellowship under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia Awards to take part in a two week programme. The programme is divided into two streams: a technical stream to empower female leaders to develop skills and knowledge in water safety where the Fellows will participate in a range of lifesaving and water safety skills workshops to gain qualifications that meet international standards, and a management stream, for representatives from tourism operators and media who play an integral part in water safety development and awareness, that is aimed at using water related assets for tourism development.

The Sri Lanka High Commission hosted the visiting delegation, officials of Life Saving Victoria, International Life Saving Federation, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia to afternoon tea following the official opening of the programme in Canberra on 8^th February. Welcoming the delegation and other participants, High Commissioner Somasundaram Skandakumar commended the noble work being carried out by those involved in Life Saving, usually working as volunteers, and appreciated LSV’s partnership with Sri Lanka which will help prevent drownings as well as improve water safety thereby facilitating better utilisation of water assets to develop the tourism industry. The delegation will visit a range of locations in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland to experience how lifesaving services integrate with businesses and communities to help promote tourism. Two members from Bahrain Life Saving who are also taking part in the programme were also present.

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) has been working with Sri Lanka Life Saving (SLLS) since 2011 in drowning prevention work. The partnership which started at a grass root level has recently moved to a holistic strategic level. As part of this partnership, LSV is working with female members of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, the business community and those within Sri Lanka Life Saving, to increase representation of females involved in community aquatic education, employment and organisational governance with the aim of preventing drowning and improving water safety in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

9 February 2018

Independence Day Celebration

February 5, 2018

70th anniversary Independence Day celebration in Canberra was held on 04th February at the High Commission. A photo exhibition events highlighting significant events in the relations with Australia over the last 70 years was a key attraction.

Independence Day Messages – 2018

February 4, 2018

Independence Day Message of H E the President

If one is to truly fathom the value of independence, it is essential to understand the pain being oppressed and subservient in the face of a foreign power. This is why we are grateful to all our heroes who sacrificed their lives in order to restore and sustain our nation’s independence. On a day like today, when the value of freedom is commemorated, the nation pays tribute to its true patriots whose contribution to our motherland is invaluable.

As Sri Lanka celebrates seven decades of independence, it is appropriate to reflect on how far we have come as a nation. In terms of achieving human development, and various social, economic, and political challenges we were faced with, the progress we have achieved over this period is laudable.

I believe that as a nation with a unique identity, we have what it takes to overcome any challenge. We have proven it throughout our history. Today, we must show once again that Sri Lanka is a nation that can rise within a short span of time. We have to undertake many a mission, including achieving inclusive green growth, national reconciliation, and uplifting the quality and competitiveness of our human capital in a global scale.14998

We must also remember that true freedom does not comprise only of political freedom. Our independence is not complete until economic and cultural freedom is achieved. In our journey towards economic freedom, this year is  a crucial one.

As a country, our future successes lie in our commitment to achieve long term goals with firm determination, as we have done in the past. Completion of the Moragahakanda reservoir as the last massive step in the Mahaweli development programme is a testimony to our perseverance and commitment to meet such long term goals.   This year has been declared the “National Food Production Year”, with hopes to reach the goal of food security, a dream that our nation has had since independence.

On this occasion that we celebrate seven decades of Independence, I pledge to fulfil all my duties towards mother Lanka, and I emphasize that our true strength is in our unity and determination.

                                                                                                            Maithripala Sirisena                                                                           

February 4, 2018

Message in Sinhala       Message in Tamil

Independence Day Message of Hon. Prime Minister

This year, we celebrate 70 years of independence from colonial rule. It is an occasion for us to remember that we were only able to achieve independence with the participation of all communities coming together towards a common goal.

It is our responsibility to keep in mind that true independence is only possible when we can unite as one nation, rising above political, religious and ethnic differences. Only then is independence truly significant and meaningful to all.

Freedom is fulfilled when human dignity and spiritual liberty is attained – in addition to social, political and economic freedom.

Since being elected to power, our Government has consistently focused on creating the right social and political climate needed to build a society that is indeed free and stable.

Under a theme of One Nation, the 70th Independence Day celebrations that are held today, reflect our legacy as a free nation. My hope is to see all Sri Lanka unite as one to sustain freedom for all.

Let’s strive to be a people truly committed to our nation’s progress on this Independence Day.

Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister

Message in Sinhala        Message in Tamil

Independence Message of Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs

Today, as Sri Lanka celebrates her 70th Anniversary of Independence, I wish to convey my warm greetings to all Sri Lankans residing in the country as well as in various parts of the world. On this solemn occasion, I would like to pay homage not only to those who fought hard to gain independence, but also to the thousands who subsequently sacrificed their lives to safeguard this independence.

Each anniversary of Independence is an important milestone in our journey for us to reflect on our achievements during the past and evaluate the challenges lying ahead. Sri Lanka, as a nation, can be proud of its performance in the past and its commitment to democratic traditions including the Rule of Law, achievements made in important areas such as education and health as well as the talented human capital of the country, which is its most valuable asset. However, unfortunately, our progress had been hindered and marred by conflict.

With that traumatic past behind us, all Sri Lankans should now work together, shedding their differences, to create a better future for the generations to come and to compensate for the lost opportunities due to various reasons. We must endeavor to create a new Sri Lanka, where reconciliation and sustainable peace would reign along with economic prosperity. This is the firm resolve that we, as Sri Lankans, must make when we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of our Independence. In this context, the Government is committed to redouble its efforts to meaningfully develop the country with a view to increasing productivity and connectivity, and creating a firm foundation for all Sri Lankans to emerge as a strong nation in the region and the world.

Tilak Marapana, PC, MP

Minister of Foreign Affairs

4th February 2018

Message in Sinhala     Message in Tamil