High Commission  hosts the first “Wes Mangallaya Ceremony”, in Canberra

November 4, 2022

The Sri Lanka High Commission hosted the first ‘Wes Mangallaya ceremony’, in Canberrra organised by the Bhagya School of Dance (BDS) on 15 October 2022 at the Sri Lanka High Commission Premises. Read More »

Scheme to Grant Permits to Import Electric Vehicles by the Sri Lankans Working Abroad

September 2, 2022

The Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment has issued the Circular No. 02/2022 dated 31st August 2022  introducing  a scheme to granting permits to import electric vehicles by the Sri Lankans working abroad.

Please see  the Circular ( in Sinhala) which outline the conditions, criteria and operational procedure with respect to the scheme.

The  Circular in English…..

Please see the amended Circular ……..  

Central Bank of Sri Lanka joins hands with the Foreign Employment Bureau to promote the LankaRemit mobile application

August 30, 2022

With the aim of popularizing the LankaRemit National Remittance Mobile Application among migrant workers, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) held a ceremony on 26 August 2022 at SLBFE to demonstrate its features. LankaRemit provides Sri Lankan expatriates with access to a fast, secure and more convenient remittance channel to send money to Sri Lanka. Read More »

Importance of ‘Fair Play’ by all Stakeholders of the Economy in Countering the Current Unprecedented Economic Crisis

August 2, 2022

The Government and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) have been implementing several measures to ease the burden of the current economic hardships on the people. One major factor that is contributing to the current crisis and the resultant hardships is the lack of foreign exchange liquidity in the banking system. Such shortage of forex liquidity has affected the provision of essential imports, including fuel. To ensure adequate foreign exchange liquidity in the banking system, the CBSL had to impose surrender requirements on export earnings. Further, measures were taken by the Government and the CBSL to discourage foreign exchange outflows, such as imposing restrictions on certain imports and payment terms and introducing margin requirements, while encouraging foreign inflows through the banking system, rather than those being channelled through the grey market. The success of these regulatory measures and the ability to achieve the intended outcomes depend on the support and cooperation from the trading community and the banking system. However, it has been brought to the notice of the CBSL that certain market players are not being fully compliant with these regulations. Such practice, if continued, would deprive the people of the support expected from the Government in difficult times, while undermining the moral obligation of ‘equal burden sharing’ that is expected of all stakeholders under difficult and extraordinary circumstances. Read More »

ARTICLE OF SRI LANKA TEA BOARD ON THE OCCASION OF CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY – 21ST MAY 2022

May 21, 2022

International Tea Day is a United Nations observance celebrated annually on May 21 to express the economical, biological and physical benefits of tea. It was inaugurated by the General Assembly and essentially replaced the unofficial observance of the same name, which used to be celebrated on December 15 in tea producing countries. The observance of International Tea Day is promoted and facilitated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in collaboration with other relevant organizations and stakeholders. Read More »

Sri Lanka Tourism: Comprehensive Visitor Information Portal

May 21, 2022

Ayubowan and Welcome back to the paradise island of Sri Lanka. As we open our doors to the world once again ; we’ve pulled out all the stops, ensuring that every precautionary measure has been set in place to make your island getaway as safe, secure and serene as possible. In your preparation to explore the wild and wonderful, we’d like to bring your attention to the ‘things you need to know ‘ for your safety as you make your way to an amazing time that is So Sri Lanka!

We are so looking forward to welcome you!   Click  the link ….

Landing requirements to Sri Lanka for Tourists/Foreign Passport Holders/Sri Lankans

April 26, 2022

Notice: Landing Requirments to Sri Lanka for Tourists Foreign Passport Holders Sri Lankans

Colombo Plan Scholars visit Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra

April 20, 2022

An event was held at the Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra on 14^th April, 2022 to welcome Colombo Plan Scholars who will pursue studies in Sri Lanka under New Colombo Plan Programme.

The New Colombo Plan Programme annually provides around 10,000 undergraduates to study and undertake internship in 40 countries across Asia and Pacific regions.

Addressing the gathering, Actg. High Commissioner thanked Colombo Plan Scholars for choosing Sri Lanka for the study programme.  Highlighting the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka-Australia, she said Sri Lanka maintains close relations with Australia since independence and Ceylon and Australia took initiatives to set up Colombo Plan.  In 1951, then Finance Minister of Sri Lanka, J.R. Jayawardena and Australia’s Foreign Minister, Sir Percy Spender took initiative in suggesting regional organization for economic developments.

Joshua Gulli from Deakin University who is going to the University of Peradeniya stated that this would be his first visit to Sri Lanka and he is excited to visit small but diverse island. “Besides its natural resources, the island can show evidence of 25 centuries of continuous civilization and culture” he added.  Harine Somasundaram whose parents are from Jaffna shared her pleasant memories in Sri Lanka and said it was an honour for her to be part of the event at the High Commission especially during Sinhala and Tamil New Year day.

The programme included Power Point Presentation on Sri Lanka, screening of a video on touristic attractions in the country and welcoming the Sinhala & Tamil New Year with tasting new year meal.   The participants enjoyed traditional new year food and sweets prepared by the staff of the High Commission.

The Colombo Plan supports its member countries to enhance social economic development through educational programmes over 70 years.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Canberra

19 April 2022

Message to Sri Lankans living abroad from Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

April 18, 2022

Currently, Sri Lanka is facing social, economic and financial distress creating hardships for its people due to the long-lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, global political imbalances and macroeconomic imbalances in the country. Although the authorities are taking measures to address the above situation of the country, including taking steps to actively manage its debt obligations, finding immediate financial assistance from other nations and progressing at the discussions with the International Monetary Fund for a comprehensive program, the positive impacts of such measures will benefit the people only in the medium to long term. Therefore, urgent measures are needed to enhance the foreign reserve position of the country to meet its day-to-day essential imports including food, fuel and medicine.  Read More »

Measures to be Followed Regarding Human Remains Repatriated from Overseas during the Pandemic of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

March 10, 2022

The latest guidelines No. DQ/06/2020 dated 28/01/2022 issued by the Director General of Health Services on measures to be  followed regarding Human Remains repatriated from Overseas during the Pandemic of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Please click on this link….