Youth Dialogue 2024: ” Click to Progress: Youth for Smarter Sri Lanka”

July 15, 2024

Youth Dialogue 2024: ” Click to Progress: Youth for Smarter Sri Lanka”

The Office of the Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs (OOSLA), an institution established in January 2023 to be the central point for coordinating engagement with the overseas Sri Lankan population, is organizing Youth Dialogue 2024 on 21^st August 2024.

Interested Sri Lankan expatriates who are in the age group between 15-40 are invited to attend the programme physically or virtually as follows;

Age group 15-19:  For thematic roundtable on Smart Economy

Age group 20-40:  opt for the thematic roundtable of their choice and expertise (please see the website of OOSLA)

Registration can be done through https://www.oosla.lk

For more details you may contact Sewwandi De Silva, First Secretary via email to slhc.canberra@mfa.gov.lk

Historical religious ceremony held in Bendigo, in the State of Victoria, Australia with the planting of the Bo-sapling from the Jaya Sri Mahabodhi, Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.

July 6, 2024

Historical religious ceremony held in Bendigo, in the State of Victoria, Australia with the planting of the Bo-sapling from the Jaya Sri Mahabodhi, Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka.

The Bodhi Dhamma Buddhist Association in Bendigo which is an established Sri Lankan Buddhist Association together with the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion held a religious ceremony to plant the Bo-sapling from the sacred Jaya Sri Mahabodhi, Anuradhapura.  The Bodhi Dhamma Vihara has a large Buddha Statue, Ceremonial Gates, a traditional Moonstone and a fence carved from stone from Sri Lanka. The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion is a centre for interfaith harmony with symbols from major faiths which are represented in the peace park.

The delegation headed by Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero of Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi with Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka as well as from Myanmar and Vietnam, China, Thailand and Laos participated in the ceremony.

On the invitation extended by Mr. Deeptha Wickramarathna, President of the Bodhi Dhamma Vihara, Bendigo and Mr. Ian Green, Chairman of the Great Stupa & Universal Compassion, the Minister of Buddhasasana and Cultural Affairs Vidhura Wickramanayake together with the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara and the Consul General, Sandith Samarasinghe participated in the event.  The Government of Australia was represented by Hon. Jacinta Allan, Member of Bendigo and Premier of Victoria, Maree Edwards, State Member for Bendigo and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Lisa Chesters MP, Victoria. A large number of Sri Lankan Buddhist devotees as well as others from different faiths numbering over 1500 participated in the ceremony.

The Bo-tree and the Vihara will stand in testimony of the close cooperation and as a symbol of peace and harmony and the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and Australia.

Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra

Business Forum in Brisbane, Australia – “Resilient & Rising: Leveraging Sri Lanka’s Potential”

June 25, 2024

Business Forum in Brisbane, Australia – “Resilient & Rising: Leveraging Sri Lanka’s Potential”

At a time when Sri Lanka is exploring the means to support economic diversification, business innovation and promote inclusive and sustainable growth, Sri Lanka-Australia Chamber of Commerce and the Chartered Accountant Association of Sri Lanka (Australia Chapter Inc) with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra organized the Business Forum “Resilient & Rising: Leveraging Sri Lanka’s Potential” on Thursday, 6^th June 2024 in Brisbane.

The event aimed to unite Australian business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to explore and capitalize opportunities in Sri Lanka, focusing on economic resilience, investment prospects and strategic growth initiatives.

While welcoming the guests, Kalum De Silva, the President of the Sri Lanka Australia Chamber of Commerce spoke about knowledge industries and sustainable manufacturing industries in Sri Lanka. He also highlighted the importance of geographical location and the investment climate of Sri Lanka

The High Commissioner, Chitranganee Wagiswara noted in her remarks that the current economic status is stable and moving forward.  She touched on the assistance of the IMF and friendly countries and the conducive business potential which makes Sri Lanka an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Mr. Heshan Kuruppu in his speech spoke of the business friendly regulations in place which facilitates and encourages investors and businesses.

The address by Mr. Paul Cooper, Chairman of Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and Manufacturing, Queensland was of interest as he shared his experiences and benefits gained in Sri Lanka having established a company in the manufacturing sector.

The Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Duminda Hulangamuwa also addressed the gathering virtually from Sri Lanka and Mr. Lalanka Amarasiri, Chair of Association of CA Sri Lanka Australia Chapter moderated and expressed views on the potential and opportunities in Sri Lanka.

The panel discussion gave an opportunity for the attendees to clarity and raise questions in relation to the business environment in Sri Lanka.

The Audience included selected and reputed representatives from Australian Companies, Sri Lanka Business Companies in Brisbane and over 175 Sri Lankan and foreign companies who joined from overseas virtually.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra, Australia

Meeting with the Federation of Sri Lanka Organizations of Queensland (FSOQ)

June 19, 2024

Meeting with the Federation of Sri Lanka Organizations of Queensland (FSOQ)

During the High Commissioner’s visit to Brisbane, 6-7 June, the FSOQ arranged a meeting with the representatives of FSOQ.  At the meeting the President, Dr. Jay Weerawardena and Secretary, Mr. Jayantha Weerasekara welcoming the High Commissioner, spoke briefly on the activities undertaken by the Association.   A slide presentation was done on the programme of work undertaken over the years.  Those present at the meeting and the High Commissioner discussed issues of the interest to the expatriate Sri Lankan Community.   High Commissioner also briefed the group on recent development in Sri Lanka.  Following the discussion, the High Commissioner and First Secretary were hosted for a lunch.

Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group – hosted at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra

June 7, 2024

Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group – hosted at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra in collaboration with the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group organized an event on 28 May 2024 to mark the first anniversary of the re-launching of the Group as well as to celebrate significant cultural and religious festivals namely the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and Vesak.

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Letter of Invitation – Invitation to submit Proposal for Consultancy Services for Renovation of former Official Residence of High Commission in Canberra for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

June 1, 2024

Letter of Invitation

Invitation to submit Proposal for Consultancy Services for Renovation of Former Official Residence of High Commission in Canberra for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

See the advertisement given the link : https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Letter-of-Invitation-Final.jpg

Resilient & Rising – Leveraging Sri Lanka’s Potential – Business Forum

May 29, 2024

Resilient & Rising – Leveraging Sri Lanka’s Potential – Business Forum

We look forward to seeing you online at the business forum “Resilient & Rising: Leveraging Sri Lanka’s Potential,” jointly organised by the CA Sri Lanka – Australia Chapter and the Sri Lanka – Australia Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka, Australia.

Date: 6 June 2024

Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (AEST)

Mode: Hybrid – Live Online and Face-to-Face session at the Brisbane Club in Brisbane, Australia

Zoom registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpc–qpjotHNa4pbexCcIdob4HBm4SJjMN#/registration

We are excited to feature the following eminent personalities, who will present at the forum and engage in a stimulating panel discussion:

• Her Excellency Mrs. Chitranganee Wagiswara, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia
• Heshana Kuruppu, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka
• Kalum De Silva, President of Sri Lanka – Australia Chamber of Commerce
• Paul Cooper, Chairman of Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and Chairman of Manufacturing Queensland
• Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Country Managing Partner of Ernst & Young, Sri Lanka and Maldives

Please refer to the attached flyer for further details about the speakers.

The moderator at the forum will be Ms. Ilham Sabry Ahamed and the presenter will be Mr. Lalanka Amarasiri.

For further information please contact: Kalum (M 0414 685 903), Krishan (M 0406 486 905), Ilham (0424 305 878) or Thaya (M 0407916 068)

Please see the flyer on the same.  https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Business-Forum-2024.jpg

Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra celebrated Vesak 2024

May 27, 2024

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra celebrated Vesak on Wednesday, 22 May 2024 at the High Commission premises on 22^nd of May 2024 with the participation of the staff of the High Commission and their family members. The High Commission was decorated with Vesak lanterns and Buddhist flags.

The Buddha Pooja and the dhamma sermon was conducted by the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara in Canberra Venerable Kotapola Upali Thero.

While welcoming the Ven. Upali Thero and other invitees, the High Commissioner in her remarks stated the relevance of this year’s theme of Vesak, “Let’s not look at what others have done and look at what we have done” which is a relevant message for our personal life and for the society. She also paid tribute to the late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, the former Foreign Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka, who was successful in obtaining UN recognition for the international Vesak Day twenty-five years ago.

The High Commissioner and the staff also attended two Vesak Day celebrations at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara in Kambah and the Sri Lanka Dhamma Vihara in Gunghalin, Canberra organized by the Sri Lankan community Associations.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

27 May 2024

Vesak Day Messages

May 24, 2024

In observing the Vesak Festival 2024, the Vesak Messages issued by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister are given in the following links.

President’s message :  https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/President_Vesak-Message-English-2.pdf

Prime Minister’s message : https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prime-Minister-_-with-sig-1.pdf

Foreign Minister’s message : https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Minister-Message_vesak-2024-1.pdf

Intensify cooperation with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote trade and investment in Sri Lanka

May 17, 2024

Intensify cooperation with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote trade and investment in Sri Lanka

Mr. Chris Barnes, Head of Business Development and International Affairs of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry paid a courtesy call on the High Commissioner 17 May 2024 at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra.

They discussed the importance of close cooperation with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote trade and investment between two countries.

Mr. Barnes will Head the Australian delegation to the IORA Business Conclave 2024 to be held in Sri Lanka from 28-29 May 2024.