The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a set of guidelines to be followed for visa requests by UN and other International Organizations which have Status Agreements with the Government of Sri Lanka. The guidelines were circulated among all Heads of Organizations at a meeting chaired by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, which was held on Monday, 14 July 2008 at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs functions as the principal line Ministry to the UN and other International Organizations which have concluded Status Agreements with the Government of Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Bogollagama appreciated the important role played by the UN and International Organizations, in close partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka for many decades. In recent years, the participation of these bodies in development co-operation, humanitarian assistance and disaster management work of the Government has increased.

Taking into account the overall requirements of the Government, the new guidelines are intended to ensure the continuity of the functions carried out by these Organizations. The Minister disclosed that the extensive inter-ministerial consultations which preceded the adoption of the guidelines were helpful in addressing internal co-ordination issues relevant to the process.

One of the important features of the guidelines is the consolidation of the linkages between the UN and other International Organizations with line ministries dealing with the relevant sectors of activities.

Minister Bogollagama expressed confidence that, with the issuance of the updated guidelines, measures have been put in place to address outstanding issues related to visa matters in a mutually satisfactory manner.

Mr. Neil Buhne, UNDP Resident Representative and Resident Co-ordinator appreciated the efforts made by the Foreign Ministry in resolving outstanding visa related issues. This would enable the UN and other Organizations to perform their functions smoothly in partnership with the Government. Mr. Buhne also offered to cooperate with the Government in establishing relevant databases.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Dr Palitha T. B. Kohona and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

16 July 2008