Special Notice
Resumption of All Regular Consular Services
at the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Geneva
Considering the gradual lifting of COVID-19 related restrictive measures by Swiss authorities, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Geneva has decided to resume its all regular consular services on prior appointment basis.
You may contact the telephone numbers mentioned below, to obtain an appointment prior to visiting the Consulate General:
Sinhala & English : 022 919 1251 / 022 919 1250 (2.30 pm - 5 pm)
Tamil : 022 788 2441 / 022 919 1250 (2.30 pm - 5 pm)
Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sri Lanka Consulate General in Geneva
24.07.2020
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The International Day of Vesak and the 20th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations General Assembly resolution 54/115, which recognized internationally the day of Vesak, was commemorated today at a special virtual commemoration organized by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva together with the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the UN Geneva and the International Buddhist Foundation in Geneva.
The opening remarks were delivered by Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, while Ven. Ajahn Amaro, Abbot of the Amarawathi Monastery in the United Kingdom delivered the keynote address at this online event which had over 250 virtual participants.
Initiated by Sri Lanka in 1999, UNGA Resolution 54/115 acknowledges the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world had made, for over two and half millennia, and continues to make, to the spirituality of humanity.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Director General of the United Nations Office, Geneva highlighted that, while being sacred for millions of Buddhists around the world, Vesak day was also widely observed by non-Buddhists who draw strength and inspiration from the philosophy of Lord Buddha. She also noted the particular relevance of the teachings of the Buddha such as compassion, solidarity and mindfulness, in times of global emergencies such as the current COVID-19 crisis.
“According to the Buddha, to realize enlightenment, a person must develop two qualities – wisdom and compassion. He also told that nothing exists in isolation and that all phenomena are interdependent. Just as profoundly, the Buddha taught that we cannot be happy as long as others suffer. On the contrary, when we do reach out, we discover the best in ourselves,” the Director General stated, noting how the Buddhist concept of mindfulness or “here and now” can inspire renewal of commitment to building world solidarity to ensure peace and dignity for all.
Ajahn Amaro, delivering the Keynote address, spoke of the actuality of loving kindness, radical acceptance of things as they are, and the capacity of the human mind for spiritual training.
Addressing the commemoration event via video link, Mr. Ravinatha Aryasinha, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka, paid special tribute to late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, the then Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka who pioneered the initiative, and proposed, in his address to the UN General Assembly on 23 September 1999, that Vesak be recognized as a special day at the United Nations. In his remarks on ‘The Significance of Vesak Day’, Foreign Secretary highlighted how the teachings of the Buddha have offered to mankind, many millennia ago, the bedrock of modern progressive libertarian values such as peace, freedom, equality and dignity for all humans as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“The significance of Vesak, therefore, lies squarely on the universal and timeless nature of the Buddha’s teaching, and its ever-increasing relevance to present day societies that strive to champion universal human values in the midst of war, distress and widening inequalities,” he stated.
The Foreign Secretary also noted that, as a country with one of the oldest Therawada Buddhist traditions in the world, Sri Lanka is proud to have contributed, throughout its history, to the noble cause of sharing the teachings of the Buddha with the rest of the world, which includes the first ever transcription of the Buddha’s teachings on ola leaf as far back as in the First Century B.C.
H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nation in Geneva, in his remarks on ‘Buddhists in the era of New Normal after COVID-19’, discussed how the values and principles expounded by the Buddha could help in coping with the realities that have and would follow from the current global pandemic.
The commemoration event also included an address by Ven. Halyale Wimalarathana, President of the International Buddhist Foundation in Geneva on the relevance of Buddhist teachings in the modern world.
On the invitation of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, the Permanent Representatives of Armenia, Estonia, Fiji, India, Israel, Lao PDR, Libya, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Bhutan (CD’A), and other members of diplomatic missions from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates participated at the event.
Ms. Dayani Mendis, Actg. Permanent Representative proposed the vote of thanks, on behalf of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva and its staff.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
08.05.2020
Until the risk of COVID-19 is minimized, the Government of Sri Lanka requests Sri Lankans residing/staying in Switzerland, who wish to return to Sri Lanka to safely remain where they are. Requests to return to Sri Lanka, by Sri Lankans who are currently overseas, will be facilitated after containment of COVID-19 in the country.
Permanent Mission of sri Lanka
Geneva
Over 17,457 Overseas Sri Lankans (OSL) had by Saturday noon (28 March), registered on the ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ Online Portal of the Ministry of Foreign Relations. Of these, 6773 are from the Middle East region, 1892 from Europe, 1302 from South Asia, 1028 from North America and over 6000 from other parts of the world.
This portal jointly created by the Ministry of Foreign Relations and the Information & Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) for the benefit of Overseas Sri Lankans, was launched on Thursday (26 March 2020). It is hosted on the Ministry web page www.mfa.gov.lk and can also be accessed at www.contactsrilanka.mfa.gov.lk. A dedicated team of officials have been assigned by the Ministry of Foreign Relations to respond to queries.
A bulk of the 700 inquiries received through ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ so far, relate to the possibility of return to the country. However in light of the special request made by the Government yesterday (27 March) to Sri Lankan expatriates urging them to safely remain where they are now until the risk of COVID-19 virus is minimized and the disease is contained in Sri Lanka, the Ministry has taken several measures through its Mission network to continue to facilitate and address the immediate concerns of the Overseas Sri Lankans. Other common inquiries include the welfare of student populations, extension of visa, lack of financial support for those unemployed, non-payment of salaries, closing down of commercial establishments and questions on quarantine upon arrival.
Over the past two weeks since disruptions to travel, Sri Lanka Missions abroad have been particularly vigilant and prompt in taking action towards addressing the impending issues faced, particularly by the student populations. Some of the measures put in place included ensuring that hostels remain open, that food supply/provision is maintained by the respective establishments, and that if they require medical assistance they are directed to medical facilities, wherever possible, to seek extensions of university/school payments of students. The Missions have also been directed to maintain close engagement with educational establishments with Sri Lankan students and the student community to continue to provide for their welfare.
With respect to Sri Lankan employees in the Middle East and Asia in particular, Missions will work with host governments to secure fair treatment and concessions for Sri Lankan expatriate workers to the maximum extent possible. This includes safeguarding the rights of the workers in relation to payment of salaries and ensuring job security.
As for the broader population of Sri Lankans, Missions have also been requested to liaise with Sri Lanka Associations, organizations and places of worship established by Sri Lankans, in providing assistance to those Sri Lankans facing difficulty and are in need of assistance in the face of the rapidly evolving situation. The Missions have been requested to mobilize to provide basic sustenance and medical facilities, in full measure.
Earlier on 18 March, Sri Lanka requested foreign governments to facilitate appropriate visa extensions for Sri Lankans currently visiting their countries, in view of the control measures issued by most countries due to COVID-19. A number of states have positively responded to this request, and the Sri Lanka Missions have been asked to communicate the modalities for this process to those affected, while engaging other host Governments to work out reciprocal arrangements, as Sri Lanka extended this facility to all foreign nationals presently in Sri Lanka since mid-March.
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Colombo
28 March 2020
‘Contact Sri Lanka’ an online portal jointly created by the Ministry of Foreign Relations and Information & Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) for the benefit of Overseas Sri Lankans was launched today (26 March 2020) at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. The web link is hosted on the Ministry web page www.mfa.gov.lk and also can be accessed at www.contactsrilanka.mfa.gov.lk.
Establishment of the portal, is pursuant to the call made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for coordinated efforts by all Government stakeholders to fight the COVID-19 outbreak and to harness digital technology to prompt faster and more efficient service delivery.
All Sri Lankans living abroad are invited to register voluntarily on the platform’s basic functionalities allowing the Government of Sri Lanka to reach out and provide assistance during emergencies such as the COVID19 outbreak. This platform will allow the Ministry to access real time data for quick action. The open access platform would also facilitate Overseas Sri Lankans to interact between government stakeholders, promoting greater access to the Government services through a single centralized point at the Ministry of Foreign Relations. This Portal will also connect Overseas Sri Lankans with the network of Sri Lanka Missions abroad.
In the long term, the Portal will be expanded and is expected to serve as an official source of information and facilitate Overseas Sri Lankans in obtaining a wider range of digital services offered by the Government.
A dedicated team of officials have already been assigned by the Ministry of Foreign Relations to respond to queries of Overseas Sri Lankans and also to act as an online help desk, during emergencies in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Registration by country will also allow the Ministry to propose concrete policy decisions in critical response situations such as evacuation etc., depending on the number of emergency assistance requests generated.
For easy facilitation, the portal also includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) which will serve as a guideline for generic queries. This user friendly platform can be easily navigated via the internet, on any browser or interface and can be accessed by all registered users to direct a query or request assistance, even from a mobile phone.
The data provided through this portal is protected to ensure the privacy of Overseas Sri Lankans and will not be shared without the consent of the users.
The ICTA will be working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Relations in expanding the features of the portal in stages, to create a comprehensive online service platform for Overseas Sri Lankans, via the ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ Portal.
The Ministry of Foreign Relations, is hopeful that this integrated platform will elevate its existing service delivery for Overseas Sri Lankans to a higher level, particularly allowing rapid response in times of emergencies. All Sri Lankans living abroad are invited to benefit from this portal.
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Colombo
26 March 2020
Read more: www.mfa.gov.lk
In the present circumstances of the rapid spread of the Corona virus in Switzerland, the Government of Switzerland has announced strict restrictions covering the entire country. Accordingly, strict regulations have been imposed to minimize public gatherings.
In order to minimize the exposure to the virus and to limit the spread of the virus among Sri Lankans, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka / Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Geneva, after taking into consideration the present situation, and in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka, has decided to limit the consular services provided to Sri Lankans, commencing from 16.03.2020 until further notice.
Accordingly, from 16.03.2020 onwards and until further notice, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva / Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Geneva has arranged to restrict services related only to the issuance of temporary/emergency travel documents, issuance and certification of documents relevant to deaths of Sri Lankans and any other emergency consular service, which is deemed necessary on a case by case basis. This will be done by appointment only.
In order to secure an early appointment and to obtain the above restricted consular services and related information, please call the following contact numbers.
Sinhala & English
(0041) 77 928 72 81
(0041) 77 922 32 92
Tamil
(0041) 77 922 31 31
Sri Lanka Consulate General in Geneva
14.03.2020
This Ministry wishes to inform that a meeting presided by the highest office has decided to suspend the ETA on arrival for foreigners.
01. Accordingly
i. With effect from 12.00 noon (Sri Lanka time), 14th March 2020, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) on arrival, for foreigners who hold ordinary (or) normal passports will be temporarily suspended until further notice.
ii. A foreigner who holds Diplomatic (or) Official passport is exempted from above suspension at (1).
iii. Citizens of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles are also exempted from above temporary restriction at (1).
02. Foreigners, who intend to visit Sri Lanka for purposes deemed necessary are required to secure visa prior to their arrival in Sri Lanka, through the following channels:
a. Online through ETA website (www.eta.gov.lk)
b. Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions and Posts abroad and
c. Heads of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Read more: www.mfa.gov.lk
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
02 March 2020
The Leader of the Sri Lanka delegation to the 43rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet this afternoon (28 February).
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw from co-sponsorship of resolution 40/1 and the basis for doing so. He recalled that, one year ago, his predecessor the former Minister of Foreign Affairs had also pointed out a number of areas in the resolution that were undeliverable. Notwithstanding the withdrawal from co-sponsorship, he emphasized the Government’s commitment to achieving accountability and human rights within the framework of the Constitution towards sustainable peace and reconciliation, through the appointment of a domestic Commission of Inquiry, by implementing policies rooted in the Government’s commitments to operationalize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and by continuing to work with the assistance of the UN and its agencies. It was noted that the existing reconciliation mechanisms established by Acts of Parliament such as the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations will be continued, with appropriate adaptation in line with the Government policy framework.
High Commissioner Bachelet thanked Minister Gunawardena for his participation in the High-Level Segment of the HRC. Regretting Sri Lanka’s withdrawal as a co-sponsor of the HRC Resolution on Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner appreciated the Government’s assurance to the HRC of its continued cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner and UN bodies, and the observations on the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations.
The Sri Lanka delegation shared its perspective on a number of areas, including the need for closure, adequate funding to reconciliation measures, shortcomings in the former Counter Terrorism Bill and the Government’s intention to undertake a review of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with a view to proposing necessary amendments to its provisions.
The High Commissioner also engaged the Minister and delegation on the challenges faced in dealing with the interface between freedom of expression and the prevalence of hate speech and abuse of social media, technology and human rights and environment and human rights.
State Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs Mahinda Samarasinghe, Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha, Additional Secretary to the President Admiral (Retd) Jayanath Colombage, Senior Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, and Acting Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Dayani Mendis were associated with Minister Gunawardena at the meeting. Director General of the UN and Human Rights Division of the Ministry of Foreign Relations M.R.K. Lenagala, Senior State Counsel Kanishka Balapatabendi, Brigadier E.S. Jayasinghe from the Ministry of Defence and Coordinating Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Relations Subash Sri Wijethunga were also part of the Sri Lanka delegation to the 43rd session of the HRC.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva
28 February 2020
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