Australian Foreign Minister graces Sri Lanka Independence Celebrations in Canberra

February 21, 2014

Hon Julie Bishop Minister of Foreign Affairs being greeted by the High Commissioner

Hon. Scott Morrision, Minister  for Immigration and Border Protection, Senior Advisor to Minister Foreign Affairs Mr Murray Hansen and Hon Julie Bishop attentive  to the  High Commissioner’s address

Hon. Julie Bishop addressing the gathering

Large distinguish and representative gathering attentive to the  Speeches

Mrs. Malathie Samarasinghe entertaining Hon Julia Bishop with Sri Lankan  food

Royal Australian Navy Brass Band members with High Commissioner, his staff  and spouses. The Mural in the back ground

Hon. Julie Bishop, Hon Scott Morrision and Chief of Defence Forces General David Hurley and spouse enjoying the evening

Young Sri Lankan girls’  dance enjoyed by two ministers

Solo Kandyan dance enjoyed by the Ministers

Representative and Diversified gathering

19′ x 20′ Mural sculpture in the main foyer of the High Commission

PRESS RELEASE

In addition to official events on the 4^th of February 2014, the High Commissioner and Mrs. Malathie Samarasinghe hosted a Reception on the 12^th of February at the High Commission for Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, Diplomats, Senior Officials of Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Border Protection and National Intelligence, academia and Australian Sri Lankan community members.

The Hon. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Hon. Scott Morrison, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection as the Guest of Honour.  Hon. Julie Bishop delivered a very positive and an encouraging speech highlighting and acknowledging Sri Lanka’s post conflict achievements and rejected any one who is attempting to isolate Sri Lanka with allegations sans credible evidence.  Her speech clearly echoed the much improved close and strong relationship that Australia and Sri Lanka enjoy today.  Her  speech was in response to a hard hitting speech by the High Commissioner emphasizing the honourable peace that Sri Lanka   enjoy at present under one flag and paying tribute to the military who made it possible, and the courageous and visionary leadership of His Excellency the President.

High Commissioner specially explained and emphasized to the gathering the unfounded attitude of certain countries who are with vested interest attempting to derail the delicate reconciliation process  with unsubstantiated allegations and counter productive resolutions which are fuelling the fires of separatism.  He cited quotations from world leaders and factual independent judgments to establish the fact that double standards that are being applied and selective  approaches towards Sri Lanka’s 30 year terrorist conflict.  Both speeches  could be watched on  

(a)  Hon. Julie Bishop    –    http://vimeo.com/86972885   

(b)  High Commissioner –    http://vimeo.com/86972884

The distinguished gathering of over 250 included in addition to two senior Federal Ministers, members of the Federal Parliament, General David Hurley, Chief of Defence Force, National Security Adviser Dr. Margot McCarthy, Head of Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation Mr. David Irvine, Special Envoy of Hon. Tony Abbott Maj Gen. Andrew Molan, Commander of the Task Force Operations Sovereign Borders Lt. Gen. Angus Campbell, Former Chief of Defence Forces and Special Envoy Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Senior Adviser to Hon. Tony Abbott Dr. Mark Higgie, Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to Hon. Julie Bishop Mr. Murray Hansen, Secretary/Immigration and Border Protection Mr. Martin Bowles, Mr. Gary Dunn, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms. Sally Mansfield Chief of Protocol, Deputy Chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force over 60 High Commissioners and Ambassadors and diversified representation of  Australian Sri Lankans.

The Royal Australian Navy Brass band was in attendance and performed from the balcony of the main foyer for both the national anthems sung by two Sri Lankan ladies.  The Royal Australian Navy band also provided Sri Lankan melodies for the evening.  The event also included a dance performance by six girls under ten years and a solo Kandyan dance performance.

High Commissioner also took the opportunity to explain the newly installed mural sculpture (bas-relief) 19’ x 20’ in size in the main foyer created by Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa which is made out of red earthenware terracotta hand crafted and painted with earth colour slips consisting of 380 fired clay tiles. The art was designed by Prof. Albert Dharmasiri.  The theme of the mural “Sri Lanka’s country side” depicts the general and countryside life-style of Sri Lanka society, nature, wild life, beauty, livelihood, economy, traditional Kandyan dance folklore, religious, cultural, historical  and heritage sites of national identity including multicultural co-existence with prosperity, harmony and happiness. The mural came into high praise of all those present.

Evening was concluded with Sri Lankan dinner enjoyed by all the dignitaries including the two senior Cabinet Ministers and other high ranking officials who decided to remain and spend the time to enjoy the evening with the large gathering.  Scenic beauty of Sri Lanka was also on display in the main function room by way of framed photographs with description.

66th Independence Day Anniversary

February 5, 2014

The 66^th Independence Day Anniversary was celebrated in a grand scale at the High Commission and also in the Capital City of Canberra.  Proceedings started with the hoisting of the National Flag by Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe, the High Commissioner in the presence of the members of the staff and a large Sri Lankan gathering.  This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by a group of young children and oriental music was provided by Mr Ranjith Madurapperuma.  This was followed by observance of two minutes silence for those who made the supreme sacrifice, religious observance and lighting of the traditional oil lamp.

 National Day Message of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa was read in all three languages to the audience.  The High Commissioner then addressed the gathering highlighting the significance with peace that Sri Lanka is enjoying at present under one flag and paid tribute to the military who made it possible and the courageous and visionary leadership of His Excellency the President.

Unprecedented post conflict achievements were highlighted both in the social, economic and public spheres, specially comparing to statistics of the past.

 High Commissioner also explained  the challenges faced by Sri Lanka by way of unfounded, unsubstantiated allegations and urged the community to stand against such attempts.

High Commissioner explained the deeply rooted relationship with the Government of Australia going back to over 65 years and thanked the Australian Government for supporting Sri Lanka at the CHOGM and at international engagements.

 While thanking the community for the continued support rendered to Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner urged the community to support Sri Lanka individually, as a group and as a community in its economic revival. 

 The High Commission ceremony concluded with the serving of traditional Sri Lankan breakfast.

 The city of Canberra was decorated with three sets of 16 national flags alongside the Australian national flags on the main highway in the city centre signifying Sri Lanka National Day and the close friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka. This decoration was sponsored by the Sri Lankan Community in Canberra.

 The High Commissioner, the staff and the community proceeded to the Commonwealth Place to hoist the Sri Lankan flag in the main mast of the Commonwealth Place and the national anthem was sung by all those present.  This flag is on the main area where all the country flags on either side in the picturesque sight of Graffin Lake and the Australian new and old Parliament and the War Memorial. 

 In addition to the above, the High Commission was decorated with Sri Lankan national flags around the perimeter and was illuminated at night. 

 Further the Canberra Times carried a two page special supplement to mark the  66^th Anniversary carrying the message of His Excellency the President, the Hon. Prime Minister, the Hon. External Affairs Minister and the High Commissioner. 

Photographs of bilateral meetings, exchange of rugby t’shirts between H.E. the President and Hon. Tony Abbott, during the CHOGM and Prime Minister Tony Abbott being greeted by Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Port of Colombo with the Sri Lanka Navy ship “Sayura’ at the background were included in the supplement.

66th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence day – The Canberra Times Supplement on 4th February 2014

February 5, 2014

66th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Independence Day Supplement The Canberra Times on 4th February 2014

Messages on the occasion of the 66th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka H E the President, Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Minister of External Affairs and H.E. High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia

February 4, 2014

Messages on the occasion of the 66th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka

Message on the occasion of the 66th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe RSP VSV USP ndc psc High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia

February 3, 2014

Today, we celebrate the 66^th anniversary of independence and the National Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. On this auspicious day, I have great pleasure in extending my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the Consul Generals of Sri Lanka in Sydney and Melbourne, all Honorary Consuls for Sri Lanka in Australia and other accredited countries, Sri Lankan community in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and citizens of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

On the 04 of February 1948, Sri Lanka attained its independence from the British rule of 150 years and celebrates every year with pride and honour based on our resplendent historical, multi religious and diverse cultural heritage. Sri Lanka has now entered an era of peace and stands undivided, under one flag, committed to show the solidarity and unity as a noble nation. Our independence and honourable peace since May 2009 was achieved through many sacrifices of our leaders as well as our brave armed forces that were determined to unite the country as a one nation. Therefore, let us pay our respectful homage in remembrance of all those who dedicated their invaluable lives for the cause of independence and peace.

Sri Lanka is a nation with a great and ancient civilization. Our democracy is one of the oldest, stable and most vibrant in South Asia and which continues parliamentary democracy, with an 83 years old history. We are characterized by multi- ethnic, multi- religious and multi-cultural communities and our vibrant multi-party system accommodates ethnic and religious diversities. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy has been guided by non- alignment. Therefore, Sri Lanka enjoys close and friendly relations with all Member States of the United Nations. Besides, Sri Lanka proudly and successfully hosted the 23^rd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November 2013. It was the first ever multilateral summit of this magnitude that was held in our country since the Non-Aligned Conference held in 1976. It is also appropriate to mention that Sri Lanka will host the World Conference on Youth in collaboration with the UN in May 2014, which will be the first in Asia.

Sri Lanka is perhaps among the very few countries in the world, which has been offering free education from Grade one to University level and providing free text books, meals, uniform material and scholarships to needy students and undergraduates. This gives ample opportunity for the children to pursue their education irrespective of their social or economic background.  Therefore, the goal of universal primary education will be easily achieved by 2015. Our literacy rate is 98%. Further, Sri Lanka’s accomplishments in healthcare include the infant mortality rate of 9.4 per 1000 live births, highlighted by UNICEF as a success story.

Sri Lanka has now entered into a new era of peace and prosperity under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Mahina Rajapaksa. Three decades of brutal terrorism is now a closed chapter in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka now continues to improve its Human Development Indicators.   Our GDP growth has recorded at estimated 7.2 percent in 2013, in line with the “Mahinda Chintana Vision for the Future”, the Government’s ten year Horizontal Development Framework.  The per capita income has been increased from US$ 1,062 in 2004 to US$ 2,923 in 2012.  Inflation declined to 6.7 percent and unemployment reduced to 4 per cent in 2012.  Absolute poverty has steadily declined to 6.4 percent in 2013 from 15.2 percent in 2006.  The aim of the Government is to achieve poverty free middle income level and to go beyond Millennium Development Goals by 2016.

Today our country is stable and experiencing economic revival, in an environment of peace and harmony. The judicious application of 5Rs, namely Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Resettlement, Reintegration and Reconciliation by the government has enabled the rapid transformation from the pre- conflict emergency phase to a development- oriented phase in order to transform Sri Lanka into a strategically important economic centre of the world.

The progress of our home-grown development strategy ensures the economic and social benefits reach every strata of society and improves the livelihoods strives for high economic growth, with equitable distributions of its benefits, amongst all our people in Sri Lanka.

The strategic geographical location of Sri Lanka, the political, economic and social stability, business friendly culture and the constitutional frame inspire and offer confidence to the investors. Sri Lanka has now become one of the most popular destinations for competitive investments in the services sector especially with regard to Commercial, Knowledge, Maritime, Energy & Aviation with the concept of five hubs referred in Sri Lanka’s Policy document “Mahinda Chinthana”.  

The tourism industry has become a major component in bringing about the economic boom in the post-conflict Sri Lanka. The vision of Sri Lanka is to attract 2.5 million tourists annually, by the year 2016.

The deeply rooted relations we enjoy today between Sri Lanka and Australia were established way back as 1947. However, in the post- independence era, it was further strengthened by the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the both countries in 1949 and has since shared extensive bilateral relations over six decades. The recent visits of Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs and Hon. Namal Rajapaksa MP to Australia and the supportive stance with conviction taken by Hon. Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia and Hon. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings in Sri Lanka in November 2013 are clear evidence of strengthened bilateral relationship and engagement between our two countries.  I thank the government of Australia for the support displayed at the CHOGM and for the improved relationship.

The establishment of the new Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Victoria is another milestone in the growing political, diplomatic, trade and academic relations between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Trade, investment, tourism, education, people – to – people contacts, cricket are the some of the areas which further promotes our bilateral relations. The development assistance and education assistance offered by Australia are noteworthy and invaluable. The famous Colombo Plan and the new Colombo Plan of the new Australian Government offers invaluable services to our country, especially in the field of education bringing both communities closer.

Australia is an important trading partner for Sri Lanka both as a significant market for exports and supply of raw material and intermediate goods.  There has been a significant increase in the total trade turnover between the two countries over the past few years and the highest two way trade has been recorded in 2011 with US$ 400 million.  Sri Lanka’s exports to Australia have been increased to       US$ 134.34 million in 2012, from the level of US$ 47.0 million in 2002 registering 285% increase in ten years.  The confidence displayed by Australian investors in the recent times is encouraging and promotes Sri Lanka positively.

In the recent past Sri Lanka and Australia have been participating at numerous multinational and multi-agency forums in the countries of each other, reflecting ever improving international engagement between the two nations.

I am proud to mention that Australians with Sri Lankan origins have been contributing to the development of Australia in numerous ways for over six decades whilst reaping the best benefits provided by Australia.

As we celebrate the 66^th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka, I thank Consul General of NSW, Consul General of Victoria, Honorary Consuls of Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide and the Sri Lankan community residing in Australia for their invaluable assistance which they have extended for many years.  I invite the Sri Lankan community here to continue to support our Mother Lanka.  The peace now enjoyed in Sri Lanka is a great opportunity for all to contribute towards the development of Sri Lanka. Therefore, I appeal in earnest, to all Sri Lankans living in Australia to join hands in harmony and to contribute your invaluable knowledge and thoughts to make Sri Lanka a safe, secure and a prosperous nation.  National unity is the key to harmonious and sustainable development of Sri Lanka. Therefore, your total dedication, devotion, determination and commitment to promote and develop our Mother Lanka as true Ambassadors are of vital importance to promote national prosperity with dignity and strength whilst raising the Sri Lanka-Australia relationship to greater heights. 

May the longstanding deep friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu grow from strength to strength.

Footwear & Leather Fair, 7th – 9th February 2014 at BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka

January 6, 2014

We are pleased to inform you that the sixth Sri Lanka Footwear & Leather Fair will be held from the 7^th to 9^th February 2014 at the BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This Fair which will be of International standard will consist of approximately 200 trade stalls displaying footwear, leather products and travel goods. Foreign suppliers of raw material, machinery and components are also invited to participate at this exhibition. An exclusive fashion show will be held as a special event. High quality products are manufactured and supplied to well-known international brands, such as Marks & Spencer, Bata France, Laurel and Clarks. There are around 30 manufacturing plants in Sri Lanka catering to the export market. The value of exports of footwear & leather products in 2012 was USD 31.2 million.

The exhibition is organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in association with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Industrial Development Board (IDB) and the Sri Lanka Footwear & Leather Product Manufacturers Association (SLFLMA) with the objective of promoting the image of the Sri Lankan Footwear & Leather products industry locally and internationally.

We wish any buyers from Australia to visit Sri Lanka Footwear & Leather Fair from 7^th to 9th February 2014. Please contact the Sri Lanka High Commission  for further details with regard to this event.

Sri Lankans ‘need not flee’ By Brodie Owen

January 2, 2014

DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE: Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe (right) lights an oil lamp with Wagga mayor Rod Kendall and Wagga Sri Lankans’ Culture and Society president Doctor Yapa Bandara. Picture: Les Smith

THE Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia says Sri Lankans no longer have any reason to flee to Australia as the country moves towards reconciliation. Read More »

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM HIGH COMMISSIONER OF SRI LANKA IN AUSTRALIA

December 31, 2013

Ayubowan, Wannakam, Assalamu Alaikum !

On behalf of the members of the Staff of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra as well as on my own behalf, I am pleased to extend my best wishes to His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, members of the first family, Consuls General of Sri Lanka in Sydney and Melbourne, all Honorary Consuls for Sri Lanka in Australia and other accredited countries, Sri Lankan community in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and citizens of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu a peaceful, secure, prosperous , healthy and a Happy New Year.

The New Year begins with abundant hope to fulfil the aspirations of our motherland for progress and prosperity as a nation and a land of peace and unity for our future generation. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as the current Chairperson of the CHOGM, our country has a stable and a strong Government to transform Sri Lanka as the emerging ‘Wonder of Asia”. Our country has been progressing based on the “Mahinda Chintana” to uplift the quality of lives of the people through our home-grown development strategy. Nation building process, reconciliation process, infrastructure constructions, road network and development projects in various sectors are developing. Our economy is improving unprecedentedly. Sri Lanka has also focused on the creation of new wealth, through a robust Hub strategy, where the maritime, aviation, knowledge, commercial and energy sectors, together with tourism. Sri Lanka is now recognized as a country with a “Middle Income Emerging Market” status. Significant increase of per capita income and reduction of absolute poverty are key achievements of the post conflict period.

Therefore, I appeal in earnest, to all Sri Lankans and Sri Lankan Australians to join hands and to contribute your invaluable knowledge and thoughts to make Sri Lanka a peaceful and prosperous nation. National unity is key to both unity and development of Sri Lanka. Therefore, your total dedication, devotion, determination and commitment to promote and develop our Mother Lanka are of vital importance to promote our national economy. As Sri Lankans, we could work unitedly for the betterment of our country in the year of 2014 to develop a nation with dignity and strength.

I wish you and your families all the best and offer you my most heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your support that you extended in numerous ways for the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Community and the Sri Lankan High Commission. May the year 2014 bring prosperity, good health and happiness for all Sri Lankans, both at home and here in Australia and other accredited countries. Once again, my family along with the staff of this High Commission join in wishing you all the best in the year to come.

Happy New Year!

Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe

High Commissioner

31st December 2013

Unique Mural Sculpture (BAS – RELIEF) in the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra, Australia

December 19, 2013

A mural sculpture created by Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa and his team has been completed in the main foyer of the new Chancery building on 17^th December 2013.  The staff of the Mission too supported in the process of the work. 

This  creation  by famous Sculptor Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa who is also the Dean of the Faculty of the Arts of the University of Visual and Performing Arts of Sri Lanka is a unique feature in the new Chancery building depicting the “Sri Lanka’s country side”.  The conceptual drawing was done by Prof. Albert Dharmasiri.  The idea of a mural sculpture for the main foyer is of Mr. Jayantha Madawala, the Architect  and the consultant of the new Chancery building.  

This mural sculpture (bas-relief) is 19’ x 20’ in size and made out of red earthenware  terracotta hand crafted and painted with earth colour slips consisting of 380 fired clay tiles.

The theme of the mural “Sri Lanka’s country side” depicts the general and social         life-style of Sri Lanka society, nature, wild life, beauty, livelihood, economy, traditional Kandyan dance folklore, religious, cultural, historical  and heritage sites of national identity including multicultural co-existence with prosperity, harmony and happiness.

This piece of unique Sri Lankan art would be the only one of this size and nature.  It is of significant value and importance to showcase Sri Lanka’s proud culture and multiculturalism in  Sri Lanka in a foreign country.  This would also be a valuable rare Sri Lankan piece of art in Australia.

Danushka Kumara Wijesundara wins prestigious Finkel Prize for Advance Medical Research at Australian National University

December 17, 2013

From Left – Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, the High Commissioner, Dr. Alan Finkel, the Chancellor of the Monash University, Mr. Danushka Wijesundara, a Sri Lankan PhD scholar, Dr. Chris Parish, the Director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Dr. Charani Ranasinghe, the PhD Advisor

Mr. Danushka Wijesundara, a Sri Lankan PhD scholar attached to John Curtin School of Medical Research of the Australian National University, Canberra was awarded the Finkel Prize for his significant medical research work on HIV-1 vaccine development which is expected to be beneficial for conferring protection against HIV-1 in the future.

Dr. Alan Finkel, the Chancellor of the Monash University being the sponsor of the Finkel Prize was there at the ANU University to award the prize to 28 year old Danushka Wijesundara on 13^th of December 2013 in the presence of Dr. Chris Parish, the Director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Dr. Charani Ranasinghe, the PhD Advisor, Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe, the High Commissioner, his proud parents,  other Sri Lankan dignitaries and academics.

Danushka Wijesundara is also recognized as a medical research writer contributing papers to many international medical research journals which includes forums in USA, Italy and Australia. 

In addition, to his successful professional career, Danushka is a first grade Cricketer representing the East Lake Club in Canberra with high performances.  His distinguished  achievements in his chosen medical profession and in the field of Cricket is contributing immensely to raise the image of  Sri Lanka, in Australia.

Danushka is the only child of Mr. Somadasa Wijesundara, Ex-Sri Lanka Foreign Service  Officer and former Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra and Mrs Seetha Wijesundara.