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

New year Message Sinhala

New year Message Tamil

New year Message English

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

The message issued by the Hon Scott Morrison Prime Minister of Australia on the occasion of the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year – 2020

April 11, 2020

The message issued by the Hon Scott Morrison PM of Australia on the occasion of the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year – 2020

Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Monash University

April 9, 2020

I hope you are managing well through this difficult time.

As you’ll know Monash University, including Monash College, is operating in line with its pandemic plan. We will continue to adapt and adjust our university operations to continue to deliver high-quality education, research and services while ensuring the ongoing health and safety of our community. We have already made a number of changes to our teaching, learning, campus experiences and operations, and will continue doing so to safeguard the health and safety of our community.

Monash University this week announced a $15 million Student Compassionate and Hardship package for students suffering financial hardship.   This package will be available to any eligible students, including undergraduate and postgraduate – both coursework and higher degree research, who have been adversely affected by COVID-19.  All eligible students can apply in two stages:

1) A $500 immediate emergency payment and,

2) payment of up to $7000 after April 14, 2020.

This package will be funded by existing University resources and philanthropic support.  The University’s senior executive team is deeply committed to supporting Monash students and this initiative and some have already donated personally to the fund.

The Student Compassionate and Hardship package recognises how many students are part of the Monash community and the scale of the issue.  Since the beginning of this global health crisis, Monash has been committed to protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of our students.  This package is an extension of this so we are able to support our students financially while they continue their studies.

We are committed to keeping our community informed as the situation evolves, and given the complex and fluid nature of the global health emergency, are keeping the Monash University fact sheet updated with the latest information. Please see Monash’s position regarding COVID-19, by visiting the website and online fact sheets of Monash University and Monash College.
Our thoughts are with our global community. Should you have any queries or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact Ms Michelle Hoodbhoy (michelle.hoodbhoy@monash.edu) or myself.

Kind regards

Yours Sincerely,

Professor Abid Khan

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Global Engagement)

Monash University

Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Global Engagement)

Chancellery

27 Chancellors Walk

Clayton VIC 3800

Australia

Message from DFAT Australia on the International Students

April 9, 2020

International students are a valued part of our communities and the Government is working with the international education sector to minimise the impact on them of COVID-19 challenges.

The Government will look at flexible application of visa regulations in cases where COVID-19 has prevented international students from attending classes.

Financially, there has always been an understanding that temporary visa holders, including students, are able to support themselves while in Australia. Read More »

Foreign Secretary Aryasinha outlines role and preparations of the Ministry and its missions in tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 7, 2020

Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha has outlined the role and preparations of the Ministry of Foreign Relations and its missions across the world, in helping Sri Lanka tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing concerns of Sri Lankan nationals overseas. Referring to Sri Lankan citizens abroad, he said “parents here in Sri Lanka, should rest a little bit more comfortably about their children, knowing that the Embassy is a phone call away and if there are issues on the ground, that our Missions abroad will deal with it” and that “if there is a real calamity, the Government of Sri Lanka will step in”. Read More »

‘Ceylon Black Tea’ rich in “Theaflavins” conducts its very first successful E-auction

April 6, 2020

“CEYLON TEA” producing some of the most coveted teas in the world for more than 150 years, has reached its peak demand while making a milestone at the Colombo Tea Auction this week.

As a much -needed change in the industry’s old traditions, Ceylon Tea conducted its first e-platform auction prompted by COVID 19 ‘Social distancing’ stringent health precautions adopted by the Island. The very successful auction via an online platform was concluded on a promising note in Colombo for its ‘high grown’ Teas, while registering as the highest ever in its history.

One of the main factors for such high demand could be attributed to the hypothesis developed by scientists that content of “Theaflavins” in black tea ‘could potentially inhibit a critical SARS-CoV- 2 enzyme, and thereby, theoretically increase the human immunity against COVID-19, tea industry sources revealed.

The Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRI) has conducted a study where “Theaflavins” an antioxidant polyphenols in Black Tea has been found to help control and flush the Virus from the system.

The TRI has recently released a scientific paper under the theme: ‘Anti-viral’ properties of tea – black tea may become the unique brew of choice with no side effects to fight against Corona Virus?”. This research quoted a study from Taiwan where the chemical structure of 64 compounds had been bioinformatically modelled against SARS-CoV- 2.

In contrast to Green Tea, Black Tea is rich in Theaflavins (antioxidant polyphenols that are formed during manufacture of Black Tea). It also alleviates respiratory diseases and opens air passages in the lungs making it easier to breathe.

The scientists at the Sri Lanka Tea Board Laboratory suggest that frequent consumption of hot black tea (03 to 04 cups without sugar or milk) and inhaling its fumes is capable of flushing viruses trapped in the throat and nasal area, improving immune capacity and inhibiting inflammation due to Catechins and Polyphenols contained in Black Tea.

It is to be noted that Black Tea is neither a medically proven prophylaxis nor a treatment against COVID-19, but it is worth conducting further research.

During this Pandemic, Ceylon Tea has now seen a Silver lining for its industry and way forward.

(Courtesy Sri Lanka Tea Board- 04/04/20)

 Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra

 06 April 2020

Special Notice from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Regarding the Closure of Airports

April 6, 2020

According to instructions received from Sri Lanka Health Authorities, all international Airports in Sri Lanka will continue  to be closed for the operation of inbound  international commercial passenger flights (i.e. arrivals),  until  further notice .The closure will be reviewed by the Sri Lanka Authorities.

However, during the above mentioned restricted period, the following will be permitted: Read More »

Letter from Australian High Commissioner in Colombo to Parents of Sri Lankan Students in Australia

April 6, 2020

Letter from Australian High Commissioner in Colombo to Parents of Sri Lankan Students in Australia Read More »

Minister Gunawardena explores practical solutions to assist expatriate communities with Foreign Ministry Officials

April 5, 2020

Foreign Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena met with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Relations today at the Ministry to discuss about the welfare of the Sri Lankan expatriate communities, difficulties currently being faced by these communities and ways to explore practical solutions to assist expatriate communities at this time of need.

Earlier this week, taking note of the growing concerns of the Overseas Sri Lankans amidst the rapid spread of COVID- 19 and their inability to immediately return to Sri Lanka, the Ministry had discussed with Sri Lanka Missions abroad ongoing & further measures to ensure the well being and safety of Overseas Sri Lankans.

In discussing issues of migrant workers, especially in the Middle Eastern countries, the Minister directed the senior officials of the Ministry to work closely with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to find appropriate solutions to such issues.

Foreign Minister Gunawardena also highlighted the importance of maintaining economic and trade relations between Sri Lanka and other countries during this period. He advised the officials to take necessary actions to explore new markets for Sri Lankan products, especially for Tea and to consolidate existing markets for Sri Lankan products such as apparel.

Foreign Minister Gunawardena appreciated the services of senior officials of the Ministry, including staff of Sri Lankan Overseas Missions, and their dedication during this difficult period. Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha, Additional Secretaries, Directors General and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Ministry of Foreign Relations

Colombo

03 April 2020