News
The interview of Foreign Secretary on “Get Real“ with Mahieash Johnney on ‘Foreign Relations amid COVID - 19’ telecast on Ada Derana 24 on 01 June 2020.
Pressure from Migrant Workers Mounting and Felt Strongly by Our Missions - Foreign Secretary, Ravinatha Aryasinha
By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan
The Ministry of Foreign Relations (MFR) is dealing with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic both within and outside Sri Lanka. Foreign Secretary, Ravinatha Aryasinha, took time off to explain how he and others have taken up the challenge to do their best.
He told Ceylon Today that the MFR has managed its affairs and not allowed any pressure to be placed on the Government on account of the present crisis. He said, "My colleagues in the MFR, the Sri Lanka Foreign Service officers and other Public Officials deployed in the Missions from Commerce, SLAS, Defence, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, etc., have performed their duties to the maximum extent possible within the limited resources and under trying circumstances."
Special radio discussion with Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena
Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena participated in a special radio discussion broadcast live on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) “Podu Jana Charitha” Programme on 30 May 2020 from 8.00 – 9.00 am
Audio link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/123kxRMx6MeJobBmy7Yoiap2AInxnWyZX/view?usp=sharing
Foreign Minister reassures continued repatriation of migrant workers
Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has reassured that the repatriation of migrant workers from the Middle East as well as other regions will continue, in a manner sensitive to the vulnerability of these communities, particularly those who have lost legal status and/or employment in their host countries. This will be done in consultation with the COVID Task Force, in view of the considerable strain presently placed on the health sector and quarantine centres following the increased number of COVID infected persons who have recently returned from Kuwait. It was noted that it is proposed to explore the possibility of getting PCR tests done prior to boarding all flights in future.
The Minister made these observations at a meeting held this evening (29 May 2020) at the Foreign Ministry attended by Foreign Secretary RavinathaAryasinha, Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations SecretarySarathAbeygunawardana, Chairman Sri Lankan Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) Kamal Ratwatte, and relevant officials of the two ministries and the SLBFE.
Government to facilitate early return of Sri Lankans from Seychelles
Considering the many Sri Lankans residing and working in Seychelles who have registered their interest in returning to Sri Lanka, the Government is making arrangements to facilitate their return to Sri Lanka in compliance with the existing regulations and availability of quarantine facilities in the country.
The Sri Lanka High Commission in Seychelles has been continuously liaising with the Sri Lankan community members and has taken the initiative to appoint a Joint Committee under the leadership of the Mission which includes the Sri Lankan Association, Seychelles Buddhist Association, and the Lakstar Cricket Club, to render support to Sri Lankans who are in need of assistance. The Mission has also distributed food supplies to the community upon their request and has established a 24-hour hotline through which Sri Lankans can constantly reach the Mission.
PRESIDENT GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA TO SPEAK AT THE UN HIGH LEVEL EVENT ON FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE ERA OF COVID 19 AND BEYOND, 28TH MAY 2020
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
No. 820, 2nd Avenue,
2nd Floor,
New York 10017
Remarks by Kshenuka Senewiratne Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN at the Remembrance Ceremony of Sri Lanka's War Heroes 25 May 2020
Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena discusses systematic repatriation process
Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations in an interview held on Siyatha TV ‘Morning Show’ at 6.55 am today (25 May 2020) discussed the systematic repatriation process of Overseas Sri Lankans amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.