Diwali Celebration at the High Commission of Sri Lanka, Canberra

November 27, 2023

Sri Lanka High Commission together with Sri Lankan Hindu devotees and representatives of Sri Lankan Associations in Canberra celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises on 24th November 2023.

The High Commission was decorated with Kolam and other festive decorations. Swamy Arjun conducted the auspicious religious rituals connected with the Diwali festival and invoked blessings on the participants.

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara welcomed the guests and highlighting the value of celebrating Diwali stated that, as Sri Lankans the celebration demonstrates the multicultural, multi religious, multilingual nature of Sri Lankan society. , The President of Sri Lanka Senior’s Tamil Association in Canberra Maniwannan emphasized the significance of the Diwali festival and its relevance to the people’s way of life.

Cultural performances included a traditional bharatanatyam dance, instrumental music and devotional songs.

At the end of the formal programme, the guests were invited to taste the traditional food prepared by the High Commission staff.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

27 November 2023

Media Release –  Meetings in Sydney to Promote Sri Lanka-Australia Links

November 16, 2023

Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara paid an official call on the Minister for Multiculturalism, Small Business, Lands and Property and Sport of New South Wales (NSW) Steve Kamper on 7 November 2023 at his office.

The Minister spoke of the large number of Sri Lankan expatriates who have made their mark in NSW and noted that most of the Sri Lankans are very well educated and well integrated into the Australian Society. The minister has been closely involved with most of the activities which are organized by Sri Lankan associations in Sydney. The High Commissioner stated that she was pleased to note the encouraging sentiments expressed by the Minister.

The two sides discussed avenues for further cooperation and the need for the State government’s assistance in promoting links between Australia and Sri Lanka especially in the trade sector. It was agreed that the High Commission and the State Minister’s Office would keep in close contact to facilitate and promote further links that would be mutually beneficial.

During the visit to Sydney, the President of the Sri Lanka Australia Chamber of Commerce Kalum de Silva organised a Business Round Table on 8 November 2023. Members from the Australia-Sri Lanka Business Council also attended the Round Table.

In his introductory remarks, Kalum De Silva highlighted the ongoing activities and programmes that are in place between Sri Lanka and Australia. He also spoke of the visit to Sri Lanka by a business delegation organized in partnership with the Victoria State Government, the Aboriginal Economic Development Group (AEDG) and other stakeholders. Meetings were held in Sri Lanka with Export Development Board, National Chamber of Commerce, SLASSCom and other stakeholders as well as visits to places of interest.

 In addressing the participants at the Round Table, the High Commissioner outlined the areas of cooperation and potential that could be looked into by those interested in business and the investment sectors. Some of those present at the Round Table raised issues that need to be addressed in promoting trade and investment links and made suggestions on areas that could be pursued.

The High Commissioner invited the members of the chambers and other interested parties to be in touch with the High Commission as well as the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne so that any assistance sought and networking opportunities could be arranged.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

15 November 2023

Panel Discussion in Canberra, Australia on “Pathways to Economic Recovery in Sri Lanka”

October 24, 2023

Given the importance and interest in current developments in Sri Lanka and at the request by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with the Institute of Global Development, the Sri Lanka High Commission collaborated with the UNSW to organize a Round Table discussion on “Pathways to Economic Recovery in Sri Lanka” on Tuesday 17^th October 2023 at the UNSW Campus in Canberra.  The discussion was held in hybrid mode with the virtual participation of Sri Lankan experts and professionals.

The Panellists from Sri Lanka included member of parliament and chair of public Finance & former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha De Silva, Executive Committee Member of National People’s Power political party former Deputy Minister and former Parliamentarian, Sunil Handunetti, Executive Director of Verite Research, Sri Lanka, Dr. Nishan De Mel, CEO of Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka, Dhananath Fernando, and Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Strategic Trade Policy and Board Member of Geopolitical Cartographer Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja.  Prof. Satish Chand of UNSW Canberra School moderated the panel discussion and the Q & A Session.

Senior Lecturer of UNSW, Sydney Dr. Sarath Mataraarachchi welcomed the participants and gave an outline of the subject matter and the objective of conducting the panel discussion from an academic point of view.

Inaugurating the Roundtable discussion, Deputy Rector of UNSW Prof. Michael O’Donnell, welcomed the participants who joined virtually as well as the other participants who were in the audience.

High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara in her introductory remarks spoke briefly on the economic crisis and the debt recovery process in Sri Lanka.  While appreciating the interest of the academics and Think Tanks in Australia on Sri Lanka, she stated that Sri Lanka welcomes objective and independent views that would contribute to the deliberations on the subject.

Dr. Harsha De Silva spoke of the consequences of the present economic and debt crisis, the taxes introduced by the present government and its effects, and issues that the government of Sri Lanka could focus on to prioritize and rectify the current situation.

Mr. Handunnetti spoke of the importance of focusing on political decisions that are necessary for economic growth. The three representatives from the Think Tank highlighted the root causes that led to the economic and debt crisis and the decisions and requirements that need to be taken by the government of Sri Lanka to move forward in the recovery process.

Director of the UNSW, Global Development Institute Prof. George Varughese delivered the Vote of Thanks and stated that the Roundtable discussion brought together scholars and practitioners to an open discussion on innovative pathways to economic recovery in Sri Lanka. The audience in Canberra included Emi. Professor of Economics at the Australian National University Prof Premachandra Athukorala, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs &Trade of Australia, Diplomatic Officers from the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra, among other invitees.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra, Australia

20.10.2023

High Commissioner calls on Hon. Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia

September 14, 2023

High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia Richard Marles on 11 September 2023 at his office in the Federal Parliament. She was accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo and Defence Counsellor Commodore S.P. Kathriarachchi. Read More »

Press Release on “Public Complaints on Unlawful Pyramid Schemes”

August 26, 2023

Press Release – in English

Press Release – in Sinhala

Press Release – in Tamil

National Industry Exhibition – 2023, Virtual Exhibition

July 6, 2023

The Industrial Development Board share the following link of the virtual 360 industry Exhibition has been released from 26th June to 09th July 2023 among Sri Lankan Mission/post in overseas.

https://vindustryexpo.idb.lk/ 

Calling for Expression of Interest Establishment an International University within Colombo Port City

June 29, 2023

The Colombo Porty City Economic Commission calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI), in line with the objectives of developing and improving the area of education, with a need to proceed with identifying possible investors for developing an international university within Colombo Port City.

To see  more information : https://www.portcitycolombo.gov.lk/news/n-20230612-1

Relaunch of the Australia-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group

June 27, 2023

Australia Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group was relaunched in Canberra on 19^th June 2023 at the Sri Lanka High Commission. This group which has been in existence earlier and had been dormant for the last 3-4 years was relaunched under the Chair of Member of Federal Parliament, Sri Lanka born Cassandra Fernando of the Labour Party and Vice Chair Senator James McGrath of the Liberal Party.

The important feature of the event was the attendance of Hon. Andrew Giles, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs of Australia who spoke of Australia’s multicultural population and the Australian Government policy to address the needs of the expatriate communities to help especially new comers to integrate into the Australian society.  In that context he stated that the Friendship Group could act as a catalyst to link the two countries and that as the Minister for Multicultural Affairs he is happy to support such initiatives.

The High Commissioner, Chitranganee Wagiswara while welcoming the Minister and the Members of Parliament present at the event and also those who could not attend the function due to Parliament Proceedings, stated that the High Commission is keen to work closely with the federal Members of Parliament in order to strengthen ties between Sri Lanka and Australia including with the Sri Lanka-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group already set up in the Sri Lanka Parliament and explore areas of cooperation for the benefit of the two countries.  High Commissioner added that she is happy and proud to have two ladies with Sri Lankan connections for the first time in the Australia Federal Parliament, Cassandra Fernando and Dr. Michelle Ananda-Rajah of Sri Lankan decent.

In her address, the Chair, Cassandra Fernando referred to her close affinity to Sri Lanka and her desire to see close cooperation between her country of birth and Australia.  She spoke of the need to create a greater understanding between the two countries and to promote bilateral relations. The Vice Chair, Senator McGrath of the Liberal Party in his remarks added that his party would also support any initiatives taken by the Friendship Group.

As the Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in Queensland Mr. Anton Swan is completing his tenure of office having served over 30 years as Honorary Consul the occasion provided an opportunity to bid farewell to him.  The High Commissioner spoke of some of the highlights of his 50 years in Australia and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) he has received from the Australian Government and the services he has rendered to Sri Lanka for over 30 years.

In appreciation and recognition of his services to Sri Lanka in an honorary capacity Mr. Swan was presented with a plaque.  Mr. Swan too spoke on his work and stated that he was happy to have served his motherland, Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Community.

During the event, a video clip sent by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) on Sri Lanka and especially on the tourist attractions was shown to the audience.

A Ceylon Tea stall was also set up to promote ‘Ceylon Green Tea’ given the increasing demand of Australians for sustainable, nutrient rich and a healthy drink.  The Sri Lanka Tea Board sponsored ‘Ceylon Green Tea Stall, while ‘Dilmah’, a prominent Ceylon Tea exporter in the Australian market provided gift tea (flavoured green tea) to the invitees.  Ceylon tea promotion videos depicting ‘sustainable-grown’ variety of Ceylon tea for the world market were screened at the reception.  The event was held alongside a live demonstration on ‘Ceylon Green Tea Tasting Session’ by the staff of the Mission.

A Sumptuous Sri Lankan Cuisine including hoppers catered by Sri Lankan Chefs in Canberra was enjoyed by the participants.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

23^rd June 2023

The High Commissioner calls on the Minister of Home Affairs, Australia

June 1, 2023

The High Commissioner calls on the Minister of Home Affairs, Australia The High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Home Affairs of Australia Clare O’Neil on 30 May 2023 at her office in the Federal Parliament. While appreciating the opportunity to meet with the Minister, the High Commissioner thanked the people and the government of Australia for their invaluable assistance to Sri Lanka to meet urgent food and healthcare needs.

In response to the Minister’s query on the current situation in the country, the High Commissioner apprised the Minister in detail on the progress made towards recovery and the initiatives being taken to address the challenges.

It was noted that the Minister’s first visit outside Australia soon after the General Election was to Sri Lanka which demonstrates the fact that Sri Lanka is an important partner and, she commented that Australia was confident that Sri Lanka would overcome the economic and political challenges faced last year. Minister further stated that Australia values and is grateful to Sri Lanka for the work and, an excellent cooperation extended to the Australian authorities in terms of border controlling issues.

The need of convening the ‘Defence Talks’ which will provide an opportunity to discuss important areas of mutual interest in addition to the existing defence cooperation was also emphasised.

The two sides discussed the upcoming ‘Political consultations’ which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in mid-July this year. In connection with the recent immigration policy review by Australia, an arrangement for more employment opportunities for Sri Lanka especially semi-skilled workers (similar to ‘seasonal workers programme’ for the Pacific Islands) was discussed. In terms of Tourism, further relaxing the ‘Travel Advisory’ on Sri Lanka was also brought to the attention of Minister O’Neil.

The Deputy High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo and the Counsellor (Defence) Capt. S. Kathriarachchi of the Sri Lanka High Commission and senior officials of the Department of Home Affairs also participated in the meeting.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

31 May 2023

Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra celebrates Vesak 2023

May 17, 2023

Celebrating Vesak, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra organized a dhamma program to commemorate the birth, the enlightenment and the passing away of Lord Buddha under the theme “Serenity of the Mind” at the High Commission on 13 May 2023, with the participation of the staff and their families.

On the invitation of the High Commission, the Chief Incumbent of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara in Canberra Venerable Aparelle Soratha Thero conducted the buddhavandana and dhammadeshana.

High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara highlighted the importance of “Vesak“ to Buddhists all over the world and spoke on the value of serenity of the mind for our lives followed by reading the Vesak Day message of the President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Prime Minister’s message was read by Deputy High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo.

The High Commission was illuminated with colourful Vesak lanterns and decorated with Buddhist flags.

The High Commissioner and the staff also attended the Vesak Day celebrations organized by Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara in Canberra and Australia Sri Lanka Buddhist Association.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

16 May 2023