CONDOLENCE – Dr. Wickrema Weerasooriya Former High Commissioner to Australia from 1986-1989

December 5, 2018

It is with deep sadness that the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra learnt of the passing of former High Commissioner Dr Wickrema Weerasooriya on 4^th December 2018 in Colombo.

Dr Weerasooriya served as High Commissioner in Canberra from 1986 to 1989. He was the author of over twenty Australian and Sri Lankan textbooks, and his Australian text on Banking law is today considered as the definitive text on the subject. Now in its 6th edition it is titled as “Weerasooria’s Banking Law of Australia”. Read More »

Deepavali celebrations in Canberra

November 19, 2018

Sri Lanka High Commission celebrated Deepavali on 15^th November with a special pooja and cultural items provided by the Sri Lankan community in Canberra.

Special pooja was conducted by Pandit Pradeep Bhat of the Sri Vishnu Shiva Mandir. This was followed by the singing of devotional songs, a Bharatha natyam performance and a brief talk on the meaning of deepavali and its significance in Tamil and English. Read More »

Third Sri Lanka Festival in Canberra concludes successfully

November 14, 2018

Sri Lanka Festival 2018 attracted large crowds in Canberra on Saturday 10^th November. This was the third consecutive Festival organised by the High Commission to showcase Sri Lanka to the Australian public.

Thaala Asapuwa Dance Academy of Victoria presented colourful and graceful dances depicting the multicultural diversity of Sri Lanka, while dance and music items presented by local Canberra talent added value to the cultural segment.

Sri Lanka Associations in Canberra were an integral part of the Festival and contributed by operating food stalls, Read More »

Foreign Minister Amunugama briefs Colombo based diplomats

November 13, 2018

Foreign Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama briefed foreign diplomats based in Colombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning (12).

The Minister clarified the chain of events that compelled President Maithripala Sirisena to arrive at the decision to dissolve Parliament. He emphasized the constitutionality of the steps taken by President Sirisena and added that having being elected through a nation-wide vote, the President derives his authority directly from the people of  Sri Lanka. The Minister said in the event of a conflict between the organs of government, seeking a mandate from people who are sovereign ensures that democracy prevails. Read More »

The Special statement delivered by President Maithripala Sirisena on November 11, 2018

November 12, 2018

This is the third occasion in 14 days I am addressing you to explain recent developments. First, on October 26 I explained my views to you after appointing Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister.

Then, at the meeting held at Ape Gama in Battaramulla on 5^th November, I explained the political views to you. Today is the third occasion and significantly, this is the first time I address you after dissolving the Parliament. First, I must tell you the circumstances leading to the dissolution of the Parliament very briefly. Read More »

Foreign Minister Amunugama says “no justification for the changing Travel Advisories”

November 5, 2018

Foreign Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, said that there was no justification for the Travel Advisories issued by a few countries, since there have been no incidents of violence or disruption in the country following the recent events. The Tourism sector has not been subject to any inconvenience.

The Minister made these observations when he met with the leading inbound tour operators, Senior Officials of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), representatives of the Sri Lankan Airlines and other leading foreign carriers to discuss the Travel Advisories issued recently. Read More »

New Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha assumes duties

November 1, 2018

Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, a senior officer of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, assumed duties as the Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (31) having being appointed to the position by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The new Foreign Secretary Aryasinha was warmly received by his colleagues this morning, upon arrival at the Ministry.

Ambassador Aryasinha was previously Additional Secretary/ Economic Affairs and Trade in the Foreign Ministry since April 2018. Read More »

New Minister of Foreign Affairs assumes duties

October 31, 2018

The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Sarath Amunugama assumed duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday 30 October 2018.

The Minister was received by the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prasad Kariyawasam and senior officials upon arrival at the Ministry.

Foreign Minister Amunugama addressed the senior staff of the Ministry following his assumption of duties. Read More »

 “Feathers in Colour”- insight into Bird Diversity in Sri Lanka

October 25, 2018

An interactive session titled “Feathers in colour” – an insight into bird diversity in Sri Lanka – was presented by Rahula Perera, field biologist, trainer, nature photographer and nature based tourism promoter on 24^th October at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra. The talk was jointly organised by the High Commission and Aarunya Vacations (Pvt) Ltd.

High Commissioner Skandakumar introduced the Speaker and also highlighted that Sri Lanka has been ranked the number 1 destination to visit by Lonely Planet. Read More »

High Commissioner’s Response at the Australia Awards South & West Asia Scholars Forum 2018 17th October 2018 at the Old Parliament House, Canberra

October 18, 2018

High Commissioner Somasundaram Skandakumar delivered the response to the keynote address given by Mr Simon Merrifield, First Assistant Secretary, South & West Asia Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs &Trade, at the Australia Awards South and West Asian Scholars’ Forum organised by the Department at the Old Parliament House in Canberra on 17th October. Read More »