President’s Vesak Day Message

May 5, 2023

This thrice blessed day of  Vesak being most important in the Buddhist calendar, dawns with sacred significance. While commemorating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing away, it is a revered occasion, to venerate his Teachings based on the concept of compassion, by participating in activities of piety and giving of alms, through devotion to service of humanity. Read more…..

Illumination of the Australian National Monuments to celebrate 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence – Winner of the Photographic Competition, Heshan Bandara

April 26, 2023

Heshan Bandara, the winner of the photographic competition held during the illumination of iconic Australian National monuments to mark the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence & the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka received the prize at a ceremony held in the Sri Lanka High Commission recently. He was presented a return air ticket by the Sri Lankan Airlines, sponsor of this photographic competition.

Photographs were selected by a panel comprising a representative from the High Commission, Sri Lankan Airlines and a professional in the field of photography in Sri Lanka. The winning photograph of Heshan Bandara from Canberra fulfilled all the important elements required in a professional photograph.

While congratulating the winner, the Deputy High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo thanked him for participating in the competition which was supported by Sri Lankan expatriates in Australia through social media. Sales Manager of Sri Lankan Airlines Sakura Wijethilaka, a group of students from ‘Australia Awards’ and officials of the High Commission attended the presentation ceremony.

This was the first time that a large number of Australia National monuments have together been illuminated with the Sri Lankan flag colours in Canberra, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

25 April 2023

The Easter Message by H.E Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka

April 10, 2023

Please read in Sinhala,Tamil and English in PDF….

Easter Sunday celebrates the ability of Lord Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, to transform lives by dispelling darkness in people’s minds and bringing hope to the world.

With Easter commemorating the resurrection of Jesus, it is an occasion for us to reflect on the values of love, peace, and forgiveness as espoused by Him, which are at the core of Sri Lankan culture, and we must come together with family, friends and communities, to solemnize the blessings life has to offer. Read More »

“Buddha Rashmi” National Vesak Festival from 05-07 May 2023

April 5, 2023

New Sri Lankan Envoy meets with Australian Parliamentarian of Sri Lankan Origin

April 4, 2023

Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara called on Federal Parliamentarian, Ms. Cassandra Fernando.

The High Commissioner congratulated Ms. Cassandra Fernando, MP on being elected to the Federal Parliament last year and stated that Sri Lanka is happy and proud to have an Australian of Sri Lankan origin in the Australian Parliament.

High Commissioner Wagiswara and Ms.Cassandra Fernando discussed the present political and economic developments in Sri Lanka and exchanged views on Australia Sri Lanka relations. They agreed to explore opportunities to enhance links between the two countries.

The High Commissioner was accompanied by Ms. Chamari Rodrigo, Deputy High Commissioner.

High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra

Australia

04^th April 2023

Presentation of Letters of Credence – Australia

March 21, 2023

The High Commissioner to the Commonwealth of Australia, Chitranganee Wagiswara presented her Letters of Credence to the Governor General AC DSC (Retd.) David Hurley on 16 March 2023 at the Government House, Canberra.

The formal ceremony included a guard of honour and a luncheon hosted by the Governor General to the three High Commissioners/Ambassadors who presented credential on that day.

The High Commissioner had a separate audience with the Governor General joined by the First Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Australia and the Senior Representative of the Government House.

During the discussion the High Commissioner conveyed the greetings of the Sri Lanka President, Ranil Wicremesinghe to the Governor General. While expressing his good wishes to the Sri Lanka President, he congratulated the High Commissioner on her appointment and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure in Australia.

The High Commissioner spoke briefly on the political, economic and social developments in Sri Lanka and the challenges and priorities of the government. In this context, the High Commissioner thanked the Australian Government for the assistance granted to Sri Lanka in the form of medicine and food to tide over the difficult period last year.

 It was noted that Sri Lanka and Australia have maintained close and cordial bilateral ties over the years and both sides were of the view that the friendship and cooperation that exists between the two counties could achieve greater heights in the years to come.

The High Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo, Minister U.G.C Abeyrathna, and Counsellor (Defence) Capt. Sanjeewa Kathriarachchi.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

20 March 2023

Sri Lanka showcased as “Asia’s Best Wildlife & Adventure Tourism Destination” at Canberra Multicultural Festival 2023

March 8, 2023

Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra participated in the “Annual Multicultural Festival 2023” in Canberra organised by the ACT government, as part of Mission’s tourism promotion activities.

The Multicultural Festival which is Canberra’s iconic and much loved annual event at the heart of the city was held after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic.

The Sri Lanka stall which was decorated with colourful traditional masks, tourism promotion posters, Ceylon tea banners etc. was arranged to promote Sri Lanka Tourism and Ceylon tea.The theme of the Sri Lanka stall at the festival was “Sri Lanka – Asia’s Best Wildlife & Adventure Tourism Destination ” showcasing it’s biodiversity hotspots, fascinating wildlife safaris, whale watching, exotic birds etc. Tourism promotion brochures and leaflets were handed out to the visitors to the stall which included members of the media.

A “Ceylon tea tasting” was also held to promote Ceylon black tea and green tea among Australians. The tea tasting event attracted many visitors with the green tea tasting being the most popular given the increasing demand of Australians for sustainable, nutrient rich healthy food / drink.

The three-day festival visited by around 350,000 people included a spectacular entertainment programme and hundreds of stalls showcasing cuisines and cultures from all over the world.

The festival has been a part of Canberra’s vibrant street life culture for over three decades.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

07 March 2023

Australia – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group to be re-launched

February 27, 2023

Acting High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick at the Federal Parliament recently. While thanking the Australian government for their invaluable assistance to Sri Lanka to meet urgent food and healthcare needs, the Actg. High Commissioner apprised the Speaker on the progress made and the steps being taken by the government to address the economic challenges in the country.

The particular focus of discussion was the proposed re-launching of Australia – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group (ASPFG). The Speaker who was a member of the previous Australia – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group (ASPFG) supported this idea which would enhance relations between Sri Lanka and the Australian Parliament and was keen to have the re-launching event in the Federal Parliament.

Following the meeting with the Speaker, the Actg. High Commissioner paid a separate call on the Deputy Speaker of Australian Parliament Sharon Claydon, Labour MP who became the third woman to occupy the role of Deputy Speaker of the Australian Parliament. The proposed re-launching event of the Friendship Group was also discussed in detail with the Deputy Speaker who encouraged for more female representation in the new friendship group.

The new friends of Sri Lanka Group consist of 45 MPs from the Labour and Liberal Party of the Australian Federal Parliament which includes Deputy Speaker Claydon. The new Chairperson of the group is a Sri Lankan origin Labour MP from Victoria Cassandra Fernando and the Vice-Chair is Senator Wendy Askew, Liberal MP from Tasmania.

The re-launching of the Friendship Group is scheduled during the next Parliamentary sittings in Canberra. Sri Lanka High Commission Canberra 24 February 2023.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

24 February 2023

Iconic Australian National Monuments illuminated for Sri Lanka

February 23, 2023

The Sri Lanka High Commission, in partnership with the Australian government arranged for the illumination of iconic Australian National monuments in the colours of the Sri Lankan national flag to mark the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence and 75 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka.

From 03-06 February 2023, twelve (12) national monuments from Canberra (The Royal Australian Mint, Old Parliament, and Carillion); Melbourne (Flinders Street Railway Station); Queensland (Parliament, City Hall) and; Perth (Council House and five bridges) were lit up in the colours of the Sri Lankan flag to mark this historic milestone.

The illumination of the iconic monuments symbolizes the longstanding and mutually rewarding friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka.

On 04 February the High Commission commemorated the 75th anniversary of independence at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises with the participation of representatives of Sri Lankan community in Canberra and the officials of the Sri Lanka Triforces who are presently undergoing training in Australia. The celebration commenced with the flag hoisting ceremony followed by singing the national anthem in the Sinhala and Tamil languages and conducting multi-faith observances.

Speaking at the occasion, Acting High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo said Sri Lanka marked the historic milestone of the country in the midst of a myriad of challenges on the economic front. She appealed that, even though the economic situation does not warrant a grand celebration, it is clearly a time to reflect on the post- independence years; rectify our failures and for the citizens to rededicate themselves to ensuring their country’s well-being for the future.

The Acting High Commissioner also highlighted the enduring bilateral partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka which rests on the strong foundation of people-to-people connectivity and shared values. “The illumination of so many monuments together in the Sri Lankan flag colours, for the first time in Australia, signified 75 years of mutually respectful partnership with Australia which is home to a large Sri Lankan expatriate community. The Sri Lanka High Commission extends its sincere appreciation to Australia for its warm gesture”, she added.

The SriLankan Airlines and the Australia – Sri Lanka Association in Canberra (ASLA) supported the illumination project by encouraging the Sri Lankan community to capture the unique moment through photos and videos. SriLankan Airlines sponsored a return air ticket to Sri Lanka for the winner of the best photo.

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra considers the lighting up of iconic monuments in Australia in the colours of the Sri Lankan flag as momentous and historic.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

Canberra

21 February 2023

Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence at Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra

February 15, 2023