Sri Lanka has welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran establishing an immediate ceasefire, hailing it as a significant step toward de-escalation and long-term regional and global stability.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating a framework for continued negotiations, reflects the power of diplomacy in resolving disputes peacefully.

“Sri Lanka strongly supports the peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and remains optimistic that this step will foster sustainable peace across the region,” the statement noted.

Sri Lanka also extended its sincere appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Qatar for their pivotal roles as mediators, and to all partners whose support was instrumental in achieving this diplomatic breakthrough. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed to the public for assistance in locating information about the next of kin of Ms. Rahima Sahabdeen, a Sri Lankan national currently detained in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The request follows a notice from the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, which highlighted the urgent need to establish her identity in order to facilitate repatriation.

Issuing a statement, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that Ms. Rahima is suffering from memory loss and is unable to provide documentary proof of her identity. 

As a result, the ministry has requested assistance in tracing her next of kin or acquaintances to move forward with the repatriation process.

Those with information have been requested to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the hotline +94 11 2275 530 or email: consular@mfa.gov.lk. (Newswire)  

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established an Emergency Response Unit to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans living in the Middle East, due to the tense situation prevailing in the region.

Issuing a special notice, the Foreign Ministry announced the following telephone numbers and email address for contact in any emergency;

• Emergency Response Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs :

+94117445641 / +94112207250 

• WhatsApp only :

+940777189552

• Email :

emergency.sl@mfa.gov.lk

• Consular Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs :

+94742595546 

• Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment :

+94719802822 

• Hotline :

1989

This service is open to Sri Lankans employed in the Middle East region or to their relatives residing in Sri Lanka to obtain any necessary assistance. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that measures are being taken to address issues related to the government’s outdated and non-functional official websites.

According to Ada Derana, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thushara Rodrigo said the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and many Sri Lankan diplomatic missions are currently running on outdated technology due to longstanding technical limitations.

Thushara Rodrigo revealed that a common website platform will be created for all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as some websites may no longer be available if updates are carried out under the current circumstances. 

Providing details on measures taken to resolve the issue, Thushara Rodrigo said that the project for the development of a unified platform is progressing under the guidance of the Ministry of Digital Economy, ICTA, and SLCERT, and that the contract for the project was awarded to a developer on 17 October 2025.

He further said that an interagency meeting was held on October 31 to connect all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions, identify their individual challenges, and coordinate the project, adding that work in this regard is expected to be completed by mid-January 2026. 

Stating that this move to develop the Ministry and mission websites is being implemented under the instructions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thushara Rodrigo, pointed out that this is the first initiative of its kind under the government’s digitalization programme.

His clarification comes after Opposition MP Harsha de Silva raised concerns over the government’s outdated and non-functional official websites, especially those linked to foreign missions, economic diplomacy and overseas investment facilitation. 

Addressing Parliament yesterday, SJB MP Harsha de Silva said that key webpages display information from 2018–2019, while some diplomatic mission sites lead to error pages. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment continues to closely follow developments across the Middle East, especially in Iran and Israel, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra said. 

Deputy Minister Hemachandra said that the Sri Lankan Missions on the ground are working continuously to ensure the safety and well-being of Sri Lankans affected by the recent tensions, coordinating evacuations and support under challenging conditions.

Issuing a statement, Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra provided the following situation update on Sri Lankans affected due to the crisis in the Middle East. 

• In Iran, 

Two Sri Lankans, an embassy staff member and a student, were facilitated to cross into Türkiye through the land border. Another individual was assisted in travelling by ferry from Bandar Abbas to Sharjah, UAE. Two more Sri Lankan nationals are currently awaiting ferry arrangements to Dubai. These operations are being managed with care and urgency by our diplomatic teams.

• In Israel, 

There are signs of cautious stability. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran remains in place, and local authorities are expected to ease restrictions on public gatherings in the coming days. Some Israeli airlines have resumed limited international flights from Tel Aviv, with regular schedules expected to follow from today. 

Three Sri Lankans who departed earlier today via Cairo have now safely arrived in Colombo. Those in Sri Lanka planning to return to Israel, particularly for employment, are advised to stay in close contact with their agencies and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. Given the evolving situation, a decision on future deployments for foreign employment to Israel will be taken in the coming days, based strictly on ground realities and with the safety and dignity of our workers as the foremost concern.

• In Türkiye,

Two Sri Lankans who entered from Iran were received by the Honorary Consul in Erzurum. With no immediate flight options to Colombo, travel arrangements have been made for the 28th of June. In the meantime, all necessary accommodation and support are being provided.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs further expressed gratitude to all those in the Sri Lankan Missions and supporting institutions, working behind the scenes to manage these complex operations with quiet resolve.

“The government remains fully alert and responsive to fast-changing developments. We will continue to make every decision carefully, based on what best serves the people and the country,” Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra added. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says coordinated efforts are underway to ensure the safety and evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals from various Middle Eastern countries, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry provided the following situation update for today. 

• Status in Iran

As reported by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tehran, the total number of Sri Lankans currently accounted for in Iran is 41, including 09 who have already departed the country. 

03 Sri Lankans, including 2 students, are in the process of departing today (24 June) from Mashhad Airport to New Delhi, India. The Consul General, Dubai, has been informed by the Indian Deputy Head of Mission that the 03 Sri Lankan citizens were successfully evacuated this morning via scheduled flights.

02 Sri Lankans, a student and an Embassy officer, are scheduled to depart via the Türkiye border today. 03 Sri Lankans are expected to depart under company-arranged travel in the coming days.

• Status in Israel

As reported by Sri Lankan Ambassador Nimal Bandara, 219 Sri Lankans who travelled to Sri Lanka for holidays are scheduled to return to Israel. The Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has extended the re-entry visa period for foreigners who were unable to return to Israel as scheduled due to the Iran-Israel conflict. These visas will now be valid until July 31, 2025.

17 Sri Lankans have registered to travel on the flight operated by the Indian government, scheduled to depart from Amman Airport in Jordan to New Delhi, India, tomorrow (25 June).

20 individuals have registered with the Embassy to travel to Sri Lanka via Egypt in the coming days. So far, five (05) have already arrived in Sri Lanka.

• Status in Egypt

As reported by Sri Lankan Ambassador Sisira Senavirathne, 03 Sri Lankans arrived in Egypt through the TABA border crossing yesterday, and they will be departing for Sri Lanka today from Cairo.

Approval for another 03 individuals has also been received, and they can cross the border anytime now.

A list of 17 Sri Lankans, which the Embassy received yesterday, has been referred for approval, and possibly will be cleared soon.

• Status in Jordan

As reported by the Sri Lankan Ambassador Priyangika Wijegunasekara, Jordanian airspace experienced two brief closures on 23 June 2025 due to increased airfield activity.

Sri Lankans intending to travel via Jordan have not yet obtained transit visas. In some cases, flights may land at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport in Egypt. If so, Egyptian visas will be required. Exit fees from Jordan will be paid by the individuals.

According to the Indian Embassy in Jordan, they have not yet received instructions from Indian authorities to board foreign nationals, including Sri Lankans, on the Indian-operated flights scheduled for tomorrow. 

• Status in Türkiye

As reported by Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lankan Embassy, Nilusha Dilmini, one Sri Lankan national, a student, arrived in New Delhi yesterday. Although arrangements had been made for her onward journey to Colombo from Delhi last evening, she could not board that flight due to the flight from Iran being delayed. Arrangements were therefore made for her to fly to Colombo, which departed Delhi today, and she has reached Sri Lanka safely. 

The Mission staff met her on arrival and was in touch with her throughout and assisted her at every step, from her arrival in Delhi, stay, and departure from Delhi. The Mission was also in contact with her mother in Sri Lanka.

All the relevant Divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, i.e. the IOR – Indian Ocean Region Division; PAI – Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran Division; and the Protocol Division, extended their fullest support to the High Commission in handling the arrival, transit and departure of the student. She was provided a Temporary Landing Pass on a gratis basis. Arrangements were also made for her to stay in the departure lounge, and food/ refreshments were provided to her free of charge. 

The GMR (Airport Management) in India also extended their fullest support in this regard. The Sri Lankan Airlines officials in Delhi also provided their fullest support, including escorting the passenger to the flight this morning to ensure that she does not face any hassle.

• Status in Qatar

As reported by Sri Lankan Ambassador Sithara Khan, the Mission in Doha is in constant contact with the Qatar Foreign Ministry and other Missions in Doha. An update from the Foreign Minister is anticipated. The Mission has kept the Sri Lankan citizens informed through the Mission website and Facebook. An emergency Email address has also been provided along with telephone numbers. 

The Government of Sri Lanka, together with its overseas diplomatic missions, has intensified its efforts to ensure the safety and repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals, after the escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, expanding to Qatar yesterday. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra said.  

Issuing a statement, Deputy Minister Hemachandra said the ministry remains fully engaged in coordinating the safe return of Sri Lankan nationals currently affected by the ongoing tensions in the region.

“This is a complex, multi-embassy operation. Our diplomatic missions in Iran, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, India, and the United Arab Emirates are working in close coordination, not only with each other but also with several partner foreign missions and international agencies operating on the ground,” he explained. 

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs further extended Sri Lanka’s sincere appreciation to the Government of India for its timely and generous support to Sri Lankan nationals under Operation Sindhu, a special humanitarian initiative that has provided safe evacuation routes for foreign nationals stranded in conflict zones. 

“The Indian authorities have extended a limited number of seats to Sri Lankan citizens, and our embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman, and New Delhi are working closely with Indian counterparts to ensure smooth facilitation,” he said.

Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra further provided an update on the measures being taken by Sri Lankan missions overseas to address issues faced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

• In Iran,

Our Embassy in Tehran has confirmed that 41 Sri Lankans are currently accounted for. Of these, four have already departed.

One student is scheduled to leave from Mashhad today, and three individuals are at the Azerbaijan border awaiting clearance. A family of six, including an 8-day-old infant, has expressed readiness to depart next week via the Indian-assisted evacuation.

Several others are making arrangements through their respective employers or addressing visa and immigration matters. The Embassy remains in active contact with all individuals and is facilitating each case individually.

• In Israel,

We have entered the eleventh day of the ongoing hostilities. The Sri Lanka Embassy in Tel Aviv reports that three nationals are scheduled to depart tomorrow via Eilat, the TABA border, and onward through Cairo Airport, with the assistance of our Embassy in Egypt.

Additionally, twelve individuals have approached the Embassy requesting assistance to return home. These cases are currently being processed.

Under Operation Sindhu, India has organized special repatriation flights from Amman to New Delhi. Sri Lankan nationals have been granted access to a limited number of seats. Our Missions are supporting registrations and onward transit arrangements.

• In India,

The Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi has confirmed that one evacuee from Iran is scheduled to arrive in India at 4:30 p.m. today, before connecting to Colombo.

• In Egypt,

Our Embassy in Cairo has received details of six Sri Lankans intending to cross the TABA border and depart via Cairo. Immediate facilitation has been arranged, including for one traveller who was expected to reach the border this morning.

We urge all Sri Lankans seeking to use this route to notify the Embassy in advance and submit relevant documents, such as passports and visas, to avoid last-minute complications.

• In Jordan,

The Embassy has reported temporary airspace closures yesterday due to increased military activity. Nevertheless, coordination with Jordanian and Indian authorities continues in support of Sri Lankans using this route for repatriation.

• In the United Arab Emirates,

Our Embassy in Abu Dhabi has reported that nine Sri Lankans had previously travelled through Abu Dhabi en route to Israel. Of these, two were returned via SriLankan Airlines, one returned independently, and six were repatriated via Etihad Airways.

Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra said that all these efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Labour Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), especially with regard to matters involving foreign employment.

“We urge Sri Lankan nationals who may have overstayed their visas to immediately contact the relevant Sri Lankan Embassies for assistance. Those with unresolved immigration or visa issues may face significant delays or restrictions in movement, particularly when attempting to cross borders such as Egypt or Jordan, where security protocols remain high and immigration requirements are strictly enforced,” he warned.

The Deputy Minister reiterated that the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of its fellow citizens abroad, adding, “We are in constant communication with our Missions and partner governments to ensure timely support and secure passage for those who wish to return home.” (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which came into effect following 15 months of war with Israel. 

Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the ceasefire will be sustained.

“We are hopeful that the ceasefire arrangement, which paves the way for the exchange of hostages and detainees, the return of internally displaced persons to their places of residence in Gaza, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, will be sustained,” it said.

The Foreign Ministry further said that Sri Lanka was also optimistic that these developments would contribute to the establishment of sustainable peace in Palestine and the region.

The ceasefire between Palestine and Israel came into effect at 11:15 am local time on Sunday after Hamas handed over a list of three female captives to be released as part of the deal to Israel through mediators.

Before the ceasefire came into effect, at least 19 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Sunday, taking the total death toll in the 15-month conflict to nearly 47,000.  

At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and about 250 were taken captive, which continued into a 15-month-long conflict. (Newswire/ Al Jazeera)

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The office of the Foreign Minister has issued a statement on delays in appointing High Commissioners and Ambassadors to overseas missions, citing procedural and diplomatic requirements.

The explanation comes after envoys from 15 countries were recalled following the formation of the new administration in November, leaving key diplomatic positions vacant.

According to the, these vacancies require a systematic appointment process that includes obtaining agreement from the host countries, which can vary significantly in duration.

While some nations respond within weeks, others take several months due to internal procedures, Media Secretary to the Foreign Minister said.

The statement also noted that the President appoints envoys under certain Constitutional provisions, with approvals needed from the Parliamentary High Posts Committee after public notice and a two-week objection period.

Once these steps are completed, newly appointed envoys undergo orientation programs before assuming their roles abroad.

The Minister’s office assured that the process, though time-intensive, ensures adherence to proper protocols and transparency.

Investigations into any allegations or concerns regarding the appointments are also handled in line with diplomatic norms, the statement said. (Newswire)

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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says Sri Lanka’s former Deputy High Commissioner to Australia Himalee Arunatilaka has not engaged in any financial fraud or corruption, despite an Australian Court charging her over an incident related to unpaid wages to a female domestic help. 

Addressing the media today, Minister Herath said as per the Sri Lankan protocol, those employed in overseas diplomatic missions are allowed a certain number of assistants or domestic workers to help with their daily activities.

He further said that the domestic worker in question under the care of Himalee Arunatilaka had also been taken to Australia in adherence to the said state protocol. 

The Foreign Minister explained that the salaries of the assistants and domestic workers are paid by the Sri Lankan Government, and not from the personal funds of the officials and that the salaries are offered based on Sri Lanka’s economic situation. 

“This is a problematic situation, as the salaries offered by Sri Lanka are less than that offered by other foreign countries, such as Australia, Europe, and Australia. Our rates are lower than the wages offered by these countries. This is so as our rates are based on our country’s economic state,” he explained.

Minister Vijitha Herath pointed out the salary issue has arisen due to this situation, clarifying that Himalee Arunatilaka had only followed the salary payments done by the Sri Lankan Government per the country’s rates.

He said, however, the Australian Government has initiated legal action against Himalee Arunatilaka under their wages system, an issue that has been faced by Sri Lankan diplomats working in overseas missions in the past. 

Emphasizing that Himalee Arunatilaka has not committed any fraud or financial corruption, the Foreign Minister said action has been taken per Australia’s laws. 

Minister Vijitha Herath went on to note that this incident has highlighted the need for the Sri Lankan Government to take a policy decision regarding such matters. 

“The government will take a policy decision in this regard in the future. We regret that Himalee Arunatilaka had to face such a situation due to state protocol,” he added.

In August, a Federal Court in Australia ordered Arunatilaka to pay her former employee $374,000 in unpaid wages, plus another $169,000 in interest. Last week, the court imposed a further penalty of $117,000 to deter similar behaviour from diplomats.

It was reported that Arunatilaka paid the said domestic worker less than 90 cents a day for three years in Canberra. Priyanka Danaratna came to Canberra in 2015 from Sri Lanka to work as a domestic servant for Arunatilaka, until she escaped in 2018.

The court was informed that Danaratna worked seven days a week from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm for roughly three years, only taking two days off over that time when she burned her hand cooking at the residence.

Himalee Arunatilaka has left Australia and is now the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office in Geneva. (Newswire)

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The United States today lifted the security alert on the Arugam Bay area, following close collaboration with the Sri Lankan Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the decision was the result of close collaboration with the Sri Lankan side and the immediate and extensive security measures put in place by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and related agencies. 

Sri Lanka takes any security alert seriously, and accordingly, the Sri Lankan authorities promptly implemented a series of coordinated security measures in the area to safeguard tourists, foreigners and residents against any possible threat. 

Detailed instructions were given by Sri Lanka Police to maintain security in the Arugam Bay area while emphasising the importance of safeguarding the freedom of tourists. 

The Foreign Ministry further said that the residents of the concerned areas, as well as, owners of tourist establishments and all persons engaged in the field of tourism cooperated closely with the Sri Lanka Police in these efforts. 

At a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath together with all related defence and public security agencies, briefed the Heads of Diplomatic Missions directly concerned, regarding the extensive measures by the Sri Lankan side, and urged the removal of the security alert and related travel advisories. 

The Foreign Ministry said this request was reiterated by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday. 

The US side rescinded the security alert this afternoon stating that the USA values the “strong partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and law enforcement”. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Sri Lanka is a peaceful, beautiful and friendly destination for tourists ahead of the upcoming tourist season. 

In October,  the US Embassy issued a travel advisory to its citizens, stating that it had received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.

Soon after, Sri Lanka Police clarified that the surge in Israeli tourists and the occupation of a building in the Arugam Bay area may have prompted the US Embassy in Colombo to issue an advisory. (Newswire)

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India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka today on an official visit.

Taking to ‘X’, upon his arrival at the Katunayake Airport, Minister Jaishankar said he looked forward to his engagements with the Sri Lankan leadership today.

Following his arrival, the Indian Foreign Minister engaged in discussions with his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, the two state officials discussed a range of matters of mutual interest. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry says measures are being carried out to provide the necessary assistance to Sri Lankans residing in Lebanon, in the face of the security situation in the country, which it said was volatile and constantly evolving. 

Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beirut is maintaining constant contact with Sri Lankan Associations and individual Sri Lankans registered with the Embassy. 

Ambassador Kapila Jayaweera and officers of the Sri Lanka Embassy are providing assistance to Sri Lankans as required. 

Apart from a few Sri Lankans who have been stranded and for whom the Embassy has arranged shelter, no Sri Lankans have been seriously affected by the situation so far, the ministry added. 

The measures come after the Israeli military launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon recently. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, participated in the Commonwealth Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) and the Committee of the Whole (COW) held in London, United Kingdom from 03-06 September 2024. 

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions at the meetings focused on the arrangements for the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in October in Samoa and its outcome documents.

On the sidelines of the Commonwealth meetings, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane met the Permanent Under Secretary Sir Philip Barton of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom on 03 September 2024. Foreign Secretary Wijewardane and Permanent Under Secretary Barton discussed the ongoing implementation of the outcomes of the second meeting of the Sri Lanka – UK Strategic Dialogue convened in May 2024 in Colombo. 

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane apprised the Permanent Under Secretary of Sri Lanka’s progress in stabilizing the economy and the work to achieve sustainable development for all segments of the people. The Foreign Secretary also welcomed the recent high-level visits from the UK, as well as the ongoing discussions related to the implementation of the Developing Country Trading Scheme (DCTS) in Sri Lanka which is an impetus to bilateral trade. Both sides welcomed the recent signature between the two countries of the MoU on the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP). The vibrant people-to-people ties emanating from the significant community of Sri Lankan heritage in the UK also featured in the discussions. 

On 05 September 2024, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane met with The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Secretariat. Both sides reviewed the ongoing collaborations between Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Secretariat in diverse areas such as education, combating climate change, mangrove conservation and assistance in strengthening financial oversight. Secretary General Scotland apprised the Foreign Secretary of the deployment of the Commonwealth Election Observer Group led by Danny Faure, former President of Seychelles to observe the forthcoming Presidential Election. The Secretary-General also highlighted that for the first time, the upcoming Commonwealth Summit will be held in a Pacific Island Member State of the Commonwealth – Samoa – and would draw attention to climate change and related challenges. 

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane also met with The Rt David Lammy, Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs at the Lancaster House on 04 September along with Heads of SOM delegations, and with Catherine West Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Indo–Pacific for the FCDO at a working dinner on 05 September.

On invitation extended by the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane addressed a gathering at the London Buddhist Vihara on 06 September where she highlighted the important religious contacts between the UK and Sri Lanka carried out through the work of the Vihara and the British Maha Bodhi Society of the UK. 

The Foreign Secretary was accompanied to the meetings by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the High Commission of Sri Lanka to the UK. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan citizens can now apply for the authentication of their birth, marriage, and death certificates through the Consular Affairs Division’s online platform. 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the authenticated certificates will be sent to the applicant via email, eliminating the need for in-person application or collection of the authenticated documents. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the online authentication process in partnership with the Registrar General’s Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

The procedures for online authentication of birth, marriage, and death certificates are as follows:  

• Visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and submit an online application through the portal provided: https://mfa.gov.lk/online-consular-services/   
• Once the details are submitted, applicants will receive a link to make the required payments. The fee for certificate generation and authentication should be paid online through this link.  
• After completing the transaction, the authenticated document (customer copy) will be emailed to the address provided by the applicant. The customer copy needs to be submitted to the relevant foreign missions as required. 
• For any inquiries, the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry can be reached via the hotlines 011-2338812 or 0112-446302, and via e-mail at: authentication.consular@mfa.gov.lk (Newswire)

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The Online Authentication Portal of the Consular Affairs Division for Birth, Marriage, and Death certificates was launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Taking to ‘X’, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that two years ago, when taking charge of the ministry, the demand for these services resulted in massive crowds and overnight queues.

He said as an initial measure to address this issue, the Foreign Ministry introduced online appointments through the eChanneling portal, significantly reducing public inconvenience. 

“Our journey began with certifying documents from the Examinations Department, a significant milestone. We then expanded to include documents from the Registrar General’s Department,” he said.

Minister Ali Sabry pointed out that currently, the ministry can complete online certification for 50-55% of documents. 

“Our commitment doesn’t end here. We are determined to achieve the capability to certify all documents online, providing an enormous benefit to the public,” he added. (Newswire)

Fore more details visit: http://consular.mfa.gov.lk:90/rgd_web/

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Twenty (20) newly recruited officers to the Sri Lanka Foreign Service assumed duties on Tuesday (June 11), after being welcomed to the Ministry by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane. 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the important role of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service (SLFS) and the special responsibilities of all officers as public servants.  

She referred to the skills required in the modern world of diplomacy including the priority given to economic diplomacy.   

The Ministry further said that 20 new officers have been recruited to the SLFS through an open competitive examination and interview process and appointed by the Public Service Commission.  

The newly recruited officers will participate in the induction training programme conducted by the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) before taking up duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and the UK have discussed ways to maximise trade under the concessional trade facility -the Developing Country Trading System (DCTS), including by expanding the export basket, with further assistance and collaboration from the UK, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said.

The views were exchanged during the Second Sri Lanka – UK Strategic Dialogue held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday (May 07). 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sri Lanka delegation at the meeting was led by Director General / Europe and North America Shobini Gunasekera and the UK side by Director / India and Indian Ocean Directorate at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ben Mellor.  Discussions were also held with Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane.

During the discussions, the delegations acknowledged the cordial ties over 75 years of diplomatic relations and the regular exchange of high-level visits. The two delegations exchanged views on foreign and security policy priorities in the context of evolving dynamics on the global stage, and mutual commitment to multilateralism. The discussion also focused on ongoing economic cooperation.  

Views were also exchanged on ways to maximise trade under the concessional trade facility -the Developing Country Trading System (DCTS), including by expanding the export basket, with further assistance and collaboration from the UK. Both sides acknowledged the growth observed in tourism between the two countries and the need for expanding Sri Lankan Airlines operations to the UK.  

The two delegations also exchanged views on climate change and environmental policies and further collaborated in this area. Sri Lanka appreciated the UK’s collaboration through the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, which aims to strengthen marine science expertise in the country. Sri Lanka was briefed on the Offshore Wind Roadmap, and views were exchanged on potential collaboration in this area with the expertise of the UK.

Both delegations exchanged views on the need for facilitating legal migration channels, including in the healthcare sector. Views were also exchanged on expansion of maritime cooperation focusing on the early conclusion of an MOU on Cooperation between the Hydrographic Offices of the two countries.  Opportunities for collaboration in education and Cooperation at international fora, particularly at the UN, Commonwealth and IORA were also discussed.

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several government agencies also participated.  The next Dialogue will be held in 2025. (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry inaugurated a two-week Orientation Programme for the Heads of Mission designate of Sri Lanka at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (Nov 01).

Issuing a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Minister Sabry outlined key aspects of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy priorities of the present Government under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.  

The Heads of Mission have been appointed at a critical juncture where they are called upon to play an important role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane spoke on the role of a Head of Mission as a manager and leader and highlighted challenges faced by Heads of Mission in today’s context. 

The Orientation Programme will cover key areas of focus for Sri Lanka Missions abroad including trade and investment, foreign employment, tourism, consular affairs and public diplomacy.  

The programme will also include visits to the Northern, Eastern and Southern Provinces as well as interactions with key interlocutors in the private sector and civil society.

The following are the newly appointed Heads of Mission: Ambassador-designate to Italy Satyajit Rodrigo (SLFS),  Ambassador-designate to Egypt Madurika Weninger (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Bangladesh Dharamapala Weerakkody (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Singapore Senerath Dissanayake (SLFS), Ambassador-designate to Belgium and the European Union Chandana Weerasena (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to India Kshenuka Senewiratne (retd. SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Pakistan Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Ambassador-designate to Nepal Air Marshal Sudharshan Pathirana, Ambassador-designate to Cuba Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, and High Commissioner-designate to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lankans have been advised to exercise utmost caution and avoid travelling to areas affected by conflict in the Middle East.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry has advised Sri Lankans to keep in constant contact with the Sri Lankan Missions in Tel Aviv (Israel) and Ramallah (Palestine) in case of any emergency.

The Foreign Ministry has set up two emergency hotline mobile numbers for Sri Lankan nationals to seek any assistance in connection to the present conflict situation in the Middle East.

The emergency hotline numbers have been set up by the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.

Sri Lankan nationals have been advised to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to seek any assistance in connection to the present conflict situation in the Middle East via the emergency hotline numbers 0094711 757 536 or 0094711 466 585.

In addition, the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could be contactable during regular office hours via the landline telephone number +94 112 338 837 and  email: repatriation.consular@mfa.gov.lk (NewsWire)

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