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.
CBSL in collaboration with LankaClear (Private) Limited (LCPL) implemented the “LankaRemit” mobile application with the launching of the first phase in February 2022. CBSL is in the process of creating awareness of “LankaRemit” locally and internationally with the support of stakeholders such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment and the SLBFE.
LankaRemit enables users to make fund transfers to beneficiaries in Sri Lanka and to make utility bill payments using Electronic Fund Transfer Cards issued overseas. LankaRemit also offers a number of value-added services to its users such as the ability to locate nearby money transfer operators and find relevant details of such locations. Further, after the remittance is made via money transfer operators abroad, the user can track each remittance made to beneficiaries in Sri Lanka via the App using a tracking number. If there are any future benefit schemes introduced for the remitters by the Sri Lankan government or respective authorities, such benefit schemes would also be available in the LankaRemit App.
The LankaRemit mobile application is available to download in the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store and the Huawei AppGallery for any person remitting money to Sri Lanka from any country. Remittance service providers connected to LankaRemit are continuing to increase and it is expected that more service providers from financial services industry including global money transfer operators and global FinTechs will join the App in the near future to facilitate remittances to Sri Lanka.
The features and benefits of LankaRemit were demonstrated to migrant workers who were preparing to commence work abroad. The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest Hon. Manusha Nanayakkara, the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Dr P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of CBSL, and Mr. A A M Hilme, Vice Chairman, SLBFE on behalf of Mr. Mahendra Kumarasinghe, Chairman, SLBFE as well as Heads of several government institutions, financial institutions and payment service providers. It is expected that this event would increase awareness and adoption of the LankaRemit App among Sri Lankan expatriates and encourage the use of formal remittance channels when sending remittances to the country.
Mr. President,
Madam Acting High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
At the outset, on behalf of our Government, I reiterate our unwavering commitment towards advancing, securing and protecting the human rights of our people, and continuing our engagement with the Council in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue. In keeping with our commitment, notwithstanding our categorical rejection of resolution 46/1, we have submitted Sri Lanka’s detailed written response to the High Commissioner’s Report. We have requested that Sri Lanka’s Comments be placed as an Addendum to the Report, to accord with best practices.
Mr. President,
We remain cognizant of and acutely sensitive to the events that have taken place in the recent past. The severe economic crisis emanating from factors both internal and external offer many lessons for all of us. We recall in this context the indivisibility of human rights, as enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The Government is extremely sensitive to the socio-economic hardships faced by our people, and has initiated immediate multi-pronged measures to address the challenges and to ensure their wellbeing through the provision of supplies essential to the life of the community. A staff level agreement has been reached with the International Monetary Fund, and discussions on debt restructuring are in progress. The Government is in dialogue with UN agencies as well as bilateral partners to protect the most vulnerable from the adverse impacts of the crisis. In spite of multiple challenges, Sri Lanka would endeavour to remain on course in meeting the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The recent changes that have taken place bear testimony to our continued commitment to upholding our longstanding democratic principles and norms. The constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression guaranteed the democratic space for our people to exercise their rights. In this regard, transgressions of the law resulting in criminal and unlawful activity were addressed in accord with the law and the Constitution, in circumstances where such freedoms were abused by elements with vested interests to achieve undemocratic political ends.
Mr. President,
Notwithstanding the severe constraints and challenges, Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to pursuing tangible progress in the protection of human rights and reconcilation through independent domestic institutions.
Sri Lanka along with several Members of this Council have opposed resolution 46/1, fundamentally disagreeing with its legitimacy and objectives. We have consistently highlighted that the content of the resolution, its operative paragraph 06 in particular, violates the sovereignty of the people of Sri Lanka and the principles of the UN Charter. Once again, we are compelled to categorically reject any follow-up measures to the resolution, as well as the related recommendations and conclusions by the High Commissioner.
Mr. President,
It is observed that the High Commissioner’s report makes extensive reference to “economic crimes”. Apart from the ambiguity of the term, it is a matter of concern that such reference exceeds the mandate of the OHCHR. In this context, we recall the paramount importance of adhering to UNGA resolutions 60/251, 48/141 and the IB package.
Notwithstanding, Sri Lanka has continued to brief the Council on the comprehensive legal framework that is being established to further strengthen governance and combat corruption. The proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution introduces several salient changes which would strengthen democratic governance and independent oversight of key institutions, as well as public scrutiny, participation in governance, and combating corruption including the constitutional recognition of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). This will include, inter alia, the composition of the Constitutional Council, and the reintroduction of the National Procurement Commission and the Audit Service Commission. The proposed legal framework will also strengthen the asset declaration system, protect the rights of whistle blowers, and increase the independence of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. A proposal to establish a system similar to an Inspector General tasked with overseeing government expenses by detecting and preventing fraud, waste and abuse in public institutions, is under consideration.
Mr. President,
Measures aimed at promoting domestic reconciliation and human rights, if they are to be meaningful and sustainable, must be based on cooperation with the country concerned, be compatible with the aspirations of its people, and be consonant with its basic legal framework. The international community is aware that unconstitutional and intrusive external initiatives have repeatedly failed to yield meaningful results on the ground, and are in effect an unproductive drain on member state resources.
The Government would endeavour to establish a credible truth-seeking mechanism within the framework of the Constitution. The contours of such a model that would suit the particular conditions of Sri Lanka are under discussion.
The recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on “Appraisal of the Findings of Previous Commissions and Committees and the Way Forward” have, inter alia, resulted in the establishment of an Advisory Board under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), progressive amendments to the PTA, and the release of detainees. Further recommendations are awaited.
As we delivered on the onerous task of review and reform of the PTA this year, to further enhance human rights, we will replace the PTA with a more comprehensive national security legislation in accordance with international best practices.
The recent delisting of groups and individuals will provide further impetus for constructive dialogue.
The independent statutory bodies established to advance the rights of victims and their families, and to provide reparations, continue to vigourously execute their respective mandates.
The Office on Missing Persons (OMP) has commenced the process of inquiry and verification, set up separate units on Tracing and Victim and Family Support, and acts as an Observer on relevant judicial proceedings.
Despite economic constraints, the Office for Reparations (OR) continues to deliver on its mandate, and the recently adopted National Reparations Policy and Guidelines have expanded the work of the Office beyond monetary compensation, to other forms of support.
The necessary support and resources to strengthen the functioning of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), continue to be provided.
The outreach to overseas Sri Lankans encompassing all communities and generations will be expanded through the establishment of an Office for Overseas Sri Lankans, thus facilitating more vigourous engagement.
Mr. President,
As recognized in the Universal Declaration, human rights are interdependent, interrelated and indivisible. In upholding human rights, we have benefitted from the considerable expertise available with other countries as well as the United Nations. We will seek further advice and support on best practices as we proceed, and as deemed necessary.
We will continue our cooperation with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. Sri Lanka is party to the 9 core Human Rights Conventions, and has maintained regular and constructive engagement with the UN Treaty Bodies. We have extended a standing invitation to all UN thematic Special Procedures mandate holders to visit Sri Lanka, and facilitated a high number of visits in the recent past. We look forward to constructive engagement with the Council through the Universal Periodic Review process. We have delivered on our commitments at the UPR, and will proactively engage in the upcoming UPR fourth cycle.
We have facilitated two visits by the Office of the High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in May and August this year, and provided unimpeded access. The visits provided the officials of the OHCHR with the opportunity to engage with a range of stakeholders, and witness progress.
Mr. President,
It is 13 years since the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka, and since then a new generation has emerged with their own aspirations. While issues of reconciliation and accountability are being comprehensively addressed through a domestic process, it is time to reflect realistically on the trajectory of this resolution which has continued on the agenda of the Council for over a decade, and undertake a realistic assessment on whether it has benefited the people of Sri Lanka. There is a need to acknowledge actual progress on the ground and support Sri Lanka.
The current challenges, though formidable, have provided us with a unique opportunity to work towards institutional change for the betterment of our people. Sri Lanka appreciates the solidarity and support extended by our friends and partners during this challenging time. In a message of unity and reconciliation, President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his inaugural address to Parliament said “if we come together, we will be able to invigorate the nation”.
Mr. President,
Through many a challenge, the people of Sri Lanka have remained steadfast and resilient while upholding their democratic values as one of Asia’s oldest democracies. We are not hesitant to acknowledge our challenges and forge ahead with renewed vigour. While our immediate concern is economic recovery, advancing the human rights of our people is of equal priority. We look to the genuine support and understanding of this Council, as we proceed on this path.
Thank you.
The Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment has issued Circular No.02/2022 of 31 August 2022 on the scheme to grant permits to import electric vehicles by the Sri Lankans working abroad . The circular outlines the conditions, criteria, and operational procedures with respect to the scheme.
Read Circular No. 02/ 2022 English version
For more information and Link to Download Application
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry assumed duties at the Ministry today (25 July, 2022) at a simple ceremony. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and the senior officials were present.
Addressing the officials, Minister Ali Sabry stated that he looked forward to delivering on the mandate of the Ministry to steer forward Sri Lanka's foreign relations, taking the domestic compulsions too into consideration. He commended the outgoing Minister Prof G L Peiris for his leadership provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Sabry was appointed a Member of Parliament in 2020. Minister Ali Sabry served as the Minister of Justice since 12 August 2020, until he was appointed the Finance Minister on 4 April, 2022.
As the Minister of Justice he launched many new initiatives including the wide-ranging reforms into the Sri Lankan justice sector with the justice sector reform programme to amend over hundred laws, some of which have not been changed in over a century. Minister Ali Sabry also initiated the digitization drive of the justice sector, the expansion of courthouses across the country and the introduction of specialized courthouses to address the issue of delays.
As the Finance Minister he led the Sri Lankan delegation for the recent negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington D.C.
Prior to his entry into politics Minister Ali Sabry was a practicing lawyer with many of the cases he handled appearing in law reports and publications. He was appointed a President’s Counsel in 2012 and was awarded the Outstanding Young Person of The Year for Achievement in Law in 2009. He has also served as Sri Lanka's Consul General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1997.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
25 July, 2022
Professor Rangita De Silva De Alwis was elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women for the term 2023-2026 representing Sri Lanka at the elections conducted during the 22nd Meeting of the State Parties to the CEDAW Convention at the United Nations in New York yesterday, 23 June, 2022.
At this election, State Parties to the Convention elected 12 members out of 23 candidates, to the Committee of the Convention. Sri Lanka obtained 124 votes obtaining the 5th highest number of votes. Other countries elected are Cuba, Uganda, Nigeria, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan.
Sri Lanka became a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1981. The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention, which consists of 23 experts on women’s rights from around the globe.
Professor Rangita De Silva De Alwis is currently serving as the Associate Dean of International Affairs and the Academic Director of the Global Institute for Human Rights at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in the USA. She earned her Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Colombo and her LL.M and Ph.D from Harvard Law School. She is an expert on matters coming under the purview of the CEDAW, with over 25 years of experience globally, advocating for equal representation of women.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
24 June 2022
Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Secretary General of the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Permanent Representatives of China, the European Union, Australia, Republic of Korea, Germany, Netherlands and Jordan in Geneva on the sidelines of the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
At the meeting with Michelle Bachelet, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Minister Peiris assured the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka’s continued active engagement with the international system including the Human Rights Council, in a candid and transparent manner. The Foreign Minister also described in detail the results achieved on the ground by local mechanisms including the Office of Missing Persons, the Office for Reparations, the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, the SDG Council as well as independent institutions such as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Peiris informed the High Commissioner that the invitation to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka extended previously, still stands. He also wished her well on her upcoming retirement, announced at the beginning of the current session.
At the meeting with Ambassador Chen Xu, Permanent Representative of China, the Foreign Minister thanked China for the continuous support extended to Sri Lanka over the years. Discussing the economic challenges facing the country, particularly issues relating to foreign reserves and their impact on food and energy security, Minister Peiris expressed appreciation for the substantial quantities of food, pharmaceutical items and COVID-19 vaccines provided by China. Reference was made to the long standing and friendly relationship between the two countries and the expectation of further strengthening the ties in the future.
Foreign Minister Peiris and Ambassador Amanda Gorely, Permanent Representative of Australia discussed the upcoming visit to Sri Lanka by Ms. Claire O Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security of Australia. While stating that the looked forward to meeting the Home Affairs Minister, the Foreign Minister assured the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to combat illicit migration, which Sri Lanka views as a humanitarian calamity.
At the meeting with Jagan Chapagain, the Secretary General of the International Federation of the Red Cross, Minister Peiris requested for the delivery of medicines and healthcare equipment to Sri Lanka as a matter of priority. In his discussion with Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, the Permanent Observer of the European Union, the Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of economic diplomacy, including trade, investment and tourism.
The Foreign Minister also held discussions with Ambassador Walid Khalid Obedat, Coordinator of the Arab League and the Permanent Representative of Jordan, Ambassador Taeho Lee, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Natalie Olijslager, Charge d’ Áffaires of Netherlands and Ambassador Hans-Peter Jugel, Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
19 June, 2022
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Enjoy the long-lasting goodness of a paradise island through a Golden Paradise Visa
A long term resident visa program dedicated to investors to enjoy the benefit of the paradise island while contributing and reaping the benefits of the blooming economy. Investors and their families will enjoy the lasting benefits of this visa program.
View Brochure
For more information please visit https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/golden-paradise-visa.html
Health Protocol for Arrivals to Sri Lanka
Not Vaccinated & Not-Fully Vaccinated Travellers
Information on COVID 19 Insurance
COVID-19 Insurance coverage Announcement
For more information please visit https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/
Currently Sri Lanka is facing social, economic and financial distress creating hardships to its people due to the long lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, global political imbalances and macroeconomic imbalances of 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 programme, 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.
In this background, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) warmly welcomes the communications made by the Sri Lankans living abroad, expressing their willingness to support the motherland at this crucial juncture by donating much needed foreign exchange to the foreign reserves of Sri Lanka.
The well-wishers may make foreign exchange transfers to the following accounts maintained at respective banks under the beneficial ownership of CBSL, and CBSL assures that such foreign currency donations will be utilized only for the purpose of importation of essentials such as food, fuel and medicine.
In view of the further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions by the Swiss authorities, Consular services at the Sri Lanka Consulate in Geneva will continue to be provided in the following manner.
Applications for NewPassports/ Passport Renewals/Visa Applications/ Legalization/ Police clearance certificates
Applications for New Passports/Passport Renewals/Visa Applications/Legalization/Police Clearance Certificate can be obtained by applying in-person at the Consulate by prior appointment or by sending the duly completed application form via registered post with the originals of the supporting documents.
Submitting Applications in-Person
To obtain an appointment to apply for New Passports/Passport Renewals/Visa Applications/Legalization /Police Clearance Certificate, please login through https://geneva.embassyonline.lk/ or click the link: “click here to get an appointment for consular services”
Submitting Applications via Registered Post
Those who wish to apply for New Passports/Passport Renewals/Visa Applications/Legalization/Police Clearance Certificate by registered post, can download the application form from https://www.lankamission.org/2013-07-02-05-11-06/consular-services/travel-documents/new-passport.html. Please note that the originals of the necessary supporting documents have to be sent by registered post along with the application form. The originals will be returned to the applicant by registered post.
Applications for Registration of Births/ Registration of Deaths/ Driving Licenses/ Dual Citizenship/ Emergency Passports/ Lost Passports/ Attestation of Documents/ Power of Attorney
The physical presence of the applicant is necessary when applying for Registration of Births/ Registration of Deaths/ Driving Licenses/ Dual Citizenship/ Emergency Passports/ Lost Passports/ Attestation of Documents/ Power of Attorney.
To obtain an appointment for these services other than Emergency passports please login through https://geneva.embassyonline.lk/ or click the link: “click here to get an appointment for consular services”
To obtain an appointment to apply for Emergency Passports please call 0229191251 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
1. Eligible Persons
a. A Sri Lankan individual resident in or outside Sri Lanka
b. Dual citizens
c. Citizens of other states with Sri Lankan origin
d. A non-national resident in or outside Sri Lanka
e. Funds, corporate bodies, associations incorporated/registered outside Sri Lanka.
f. Any other person as permitted by Regulations made under the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017.
Eligible persons who wish to deposit funds in Sri Lanka may open “Special Deposit Account (SDAs)” with an Authorized Dealer (any Licensed Commercial Bank and National Savings Bank) in Sri Lanka in the following manner.
a. With inward remittances received into Sri Lanka through banking system until 07.04.2022.
b. With remittances received into Sri Lanka through an Inward Investment Account or an account at the Offshore Banking Unit, maintained with an Authorized Dealer in Sri Lanka, to the credit of SDA on or after 08.04.2020.
c. Out of foreign exchange legitimately acquired and brought into Sri Lanka by persons who have arrived in Sri Lanka from overseas on or after 01.01.2020 subject to a declaration made to the Sri Lanka Customs (if the amount exceeds USD 15,000) and the relevant Authorized Dealer (if the amount equals or less than USD 15,000)
d. Out of foreign currency notes in the possession of any person in, or resident in, Sri Lanka, up to the limit of USD 15,000 and subject to a declaration on the source of funds to the relevant Authorized Dealer and applicable Foreign Exchange Regulations, Orders and Directions.
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