Latest quarantine measures for travelers arriving in Sri Lanka

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Circular issued by Director General Health Services dated 18 April 2022

Further to the above letter issued by Director General /Health Services on 18 April 2022, requirement of obtaining a health insurance regarding COVID 19 for foreign passport holders has been removed by the letter issued by Director General Health Services on 17 June 2022



 

 

Sri Lanka’s Candidate Prof. Rangita De Silva De Alwis elected to the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

24 06 2022 prof rangita de silva de alwis

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.

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Foreign Minister meets High Commissioner for Human Rights on the side lines of 50th Session of the Human Rights Council

16 june 2022 hon mfa H.E. high commissionerimg human rights

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.

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Sri Lanka stresses importance of relations with Japan

14 june 2022 hon mfa and hon vice minister for foreign affairs of Japan

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK and the Ambassadors/ Permanent Representatives of the United States, Canada, India and France, on the sidelines of the 50th session of the Human Rights Council.

During the bilateral meeting with Miyake Shingo, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Foreign Minister referred to the longstanding and mutually supportive friendship between the two countries and observed that the relationship with Japan is vital for Sri Lanka. He noted that, over the decades, Japan has been a close partner of Sri Lanka, and expressed appreciation for the assistance provided, particularly in the areas of skills development, computer technology, the construction of the Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital, assistance to the Rupavahini Corporation, the significant assistance provided recently for medical and pharmaceutical items, as well as Japan’s supportive stance on Sri Lanka. He also recalled the support extended by Sri Lanka to Japan at the San Francisco Conference at the conclusion of World War II. Sri Lanka wished to expand cooperation with Japan in the areas of digitalization, carbon credit, and ocean related activities including coast conservation, fisheries and global warming. Reference was also made to exploring cooperation in areas coming under the purview of the World Trade Organisation.

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Foreign Minister Peiris briefs the President of the Human Rights Council on Sri Lankan Issues

14 june 2022 hon mfa and president of the human rights council

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, held meetings with the President of the Human Rights Council (HRC), the Coordinator of the Non-Aligned Movement (Geneva Chapter) and the Permanent Representative of Brazil in Geneva on 14 June 2022, on the sidelines of the 50th Session of the HRC.

During the meeting with the President of the Human Rights Council, and Permanent Representative of Argentina, Federico Villegas, the Foreign Minister briefed on the current socio-economic situation in Sri Lanka and the need for empathy and understanding of the international community. Whilst stressing the need for space for the country to deal with the present socio-economic issues, he reiterated the political will and resolve to deal with obligations and move ahead.

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​Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka at the 50th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 13 June 2022

13 06 2022 hon mfa 50 human Rights Council

Mr. President,

Sri Lanka has regularly shared our progress and challenges in an open exchange with this Council and other organs of the United Nations. It is in this spirit of transparency, candour and openness that I make this address to the current session of the Council.

The international community is aware of the grave social and economic situation that Sri Lanka has been faced with in recent weeks. While this situation has been aggravated by ongoing global crises including the pandemic, the focus of the protests has consisted of demands for economic relief and institutional reform. In recognition of these challenges and in moving forward in an inclusive manner, we consider it crucial to heed the aspirations of all segments of our people, in particular, the youth.

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OEWG on reducing space threats through norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviours, 10 May 2022

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Statement by Sri Lanka on General Exchange of Views

Mr. Chair,

Sri Lanka would like to congratulate you on your assumption of the Chair of the first session of the 2022 of the OEWG on reducing space threats and for the opportunity to share our views on this subject. You have our full support in moving this process forward towards a substantive outcome. We would also like to appreciate the thought-provoking presentations made by today’s panelists.

Sri Lanka’s active engagement on the issue of Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) has been well known and dates back to the early 80’s when with likeminded developing states, we called for the preservation of outer space as the common heritage of all mankind, to be used in cooperation and solely for peaceful purposes. It is in as far back as 1985 that Sri Lanka proposed a moratorium on the testing and development of space weapons preceding multilateral negotiations on a treaty to prohibit all weapons in space. As you are aware Sri Lanka continues to present the First Committee Resolution on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) alternatively with Egypt each year for over four decades and remains true to its principled position that outer space is the common heritage of all humanity and should be kept free of weaponization.

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Take stock of international law and other normative frameworks concerning threats arising from state behaviour with respect to outer space, 9 May 2022

9 may 2022 Agenda Take stock of international law concerning threats arising from state behaviour with respect to outer space

Statement by Sri Lanka
9 May 2022

Mr. Chair,

Since the first launching of a satellite in 1957, space exploration, interest and use of space have developed rapidly. Conflict in space could affect not only space faring nations but also those who do not have space power in view of the interconnectedness and the reliability of space based services. The Outer Space Treaty, the legal cornerstone of international law on space activities, recognizes in its preamble “the common interest of all mankind in the progress of the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes” and establishes in its Article 3 the basic principle that, “activities in the exploration and use of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, shall be in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.” In addition, the Rescue Agreement of 1968, the Liability Convention of 1972, Registration Convention of 1974, the Moon Treaty of 1984 as well as UN declarations and principles which are non binding in nature provide important references to existing legal regime and principles on space behaviour.

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Message to Sri Lankans living abroad from Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

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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.

Read the Full message

NOTICE - CONSULAR SERVICES

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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.

 View Notice in PDF

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva

Overwhelming support for Sri Lanka at the Interactive Dialogue at the Human Rights Council

At the Interactive Dialogue on the written update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka, which concluded on 7 March 2022, Sri Lanka received overwhelming support from countries of the Global South who expressed support for the Government’s significant efforts towards reconciliation and reiterated the importance of objective and constructive cooperation as the fundamental basis for multilateral engagement.

Of the 45 countries that spoke at the Interactive Dialogue, 31 spoke in support of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka received cross-regional support from a broad spectrum of states of South, South East and Central Asia and the African Group. The 31 countries that spoke in favour of Sri Lanka were Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Philippines, Nepal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Maldives, China, Cuba, Japan, Syrian Arab Republic, Viet Nam, DPRK, Venezuela, Nigeria, Pakistan, Cambodia, the Russian Federation, Lebanon, Uganda, Belarus, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, South Sudan, Lao PDR, Yemen, Iran, Niger, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh and Azerbaijan.

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Interactive dialogue on the OHCHR report on Sri Lanka Statement by Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka (Geneva, 04 March 2022)

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Mr. President,

The Resolution 46/1 on Sri Lanka was adopted by a divided vote in this Council. Sri Lanka and other Member States opposed this resolution in fundamental disagreement with its deeply flawed procedure and unacceptable content, in particular its OP para 6 regarding a so-called evidence-gathering mechanism. The Resolution was directly contrary to the Council’s founding principles of impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. It went well beyond the mandate that Member States conferred on it by UNGA Resolution 60/251. I have stated Sri Lanka’s views on this matter to this Council on 01 March. We also submitted in a timely manner our comments on the High Commissioner’s report. We note with regret that the Secretariat failed to publish this simultaneously with the High Commissioner’s written update.

Despite our rejection of the resolution, we will continue our voluntary international undertakings on human rights and engage with the United Nations, including with this Council. As stated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka to our Parliament on 18 January 2022, “We are a nation that respects international laws and conventions”. We have regularly shared our progress and challenges in a candid and open exchange with this Council and other relevant organs of the United Nations system.

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Foreign Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris meets with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

02 02 mar 2022

Minister of Foreign Affairs Professor G.L. Peiris held wide ranging discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet at her office in the Palaise des Nations in Geneva.

He was accompanied by Minister of Justice, Ali Sabry, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof. Channa Jayasumana and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Admiral Jayanath Colombage.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo

03 March, 2022

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Foreign Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris meets with President of the Human Rights Council and Permanent Representative of Argentina

01 02 mar 2022

Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris held a meeting with President of the Human Rights Council and Permanent Representative of Argentina, Federico Villegas at the Palais des Nations and discussed a range of issues relevant to Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the 49th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

He was accompanied by Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Admiral Jayanath Colombage.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

04 March, 2022

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Foreign Affairs Minister Peiris holds multiple meetings on the sidelines of the Human Rights Council in Geneva

1 01 mar 2022

The high-level Sri Lanka delegation attending the 49th session of the Human Rights Council led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, met with the delegations of Pakistan, Palestine, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, 1 March, 2022. 

At the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Palestine, Rizad Al Maliki, Foreign Affairs Minister Peiris observed that the relations between Palestine and Sri Lanka was one of the pillars of the foreign policy of Sri Lanka. He stated that Palestine was a trusted and reliable friend of Sri Lanka and expressed appreciation for the close and cordial ties between the two countries. The Foreign Minister of Palestine also expressed his appreciation on the longstanding friendship and support extended by Sri Lanka in the international fora. The two Ministers further discussed bilateral cooperation in many areas including in the context of human rights.

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Foreign Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris attends bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 49th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris and the Sri Lanka delegation had high level bilateral meetings on 28 February, 2022, with the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), on the side lines of the High-Level Segment of the 49th session of the Human Rights Council which commenced 28 February, 2022.

During his meeting with Minister of State of the United Kingdom for South and Central Asia, UN and the Commonwealth Lord Tariq Ahmed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed bilateral cooperation, and progress achieved by Sri Lanka in advancing reconciliation as well as the Government’s comprehensive efforts at fostering unity and harmony. The Minister emphasized the need for understanding and recognition of Sri Lanka’s efforts.

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Address by the Hon. Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka at the High Level Session of the Conference on Disarmament, 28 February 2022

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Mr. President,

Madam Secretary General and

Distinguished delegates,

It is an honour for me to address the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament, the world’s sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum.

Mr. President as a member of the Conference on Disarmament since its inception, we take pride in its past achievements and recall its successes and those of its predecessor entities which led to the conclusion of landmark Conventions such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).   I would like to reiterate at the outset Sri Lanka’s long-standing policy against the possession development and use of all weapons of mass destruction; chemical, biological and nuclear. We remain a strong advocate of nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament in line also with the principles of the Non Aligned Movement in multiple fora in New York , Vienna , the Hague   and in particular here at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

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49th session of the Human Rights Council High Level Segment Statement by Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka

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Mr. President,

Sri Lanka is an active participant in the multilateral framework to realize the promotion and protection of human rights.

Fundamental rights are embodied in our Constitution, progressively advanced through our democratically elected organs of government and enforced through our independent judiciary. Despite multiple challenges we have faced from terrorism, we have restored peace, security and the rule of law throughout the country. Our democratic traditions and independent institutions ensure free and fair elections at regular intervals through universal adult franchise. We will further advance the considerable progress we have made in post-conflict recovery and healing. For this, we have put in place domestic institutions for reconciliation, accountability and social justice.

Through this Council, we have completed 3 mutually beneficial Universal Periodic Reviews, engaged in constructive dialogue with the Treaty Bodies, welcomed Special Procedures Mandate Holders, and held frank and open discussions with domestic and international interlocutors. We have benefitted from the considerable expertise available with the UN on human rights including through its technical cooperation and capacity building programs. Through the UN country team, we value the ongoing support to our domestic processes on reconciliation and achievement of SDGs.

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Investment Opportunity in Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs)

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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka [CBSL] has taken initiatives to promote investment opportunities in Government Securities, particularly in Sri Lanka Development Bonds. These investment opportunities are available for Sri Lankans living abroad, high-net-worth individuals, investment banks and foreign investors.

Relevant documents for investing in Government Securities are  given below:

Notice published by the CBSL - Annex-I

Application - Annex-II

Offer Document - Annex-III

Offer information - Annex-IV

 

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Geneva

11.02.2022

Sixth Review Conference of the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) - Intervention during the adoption of the Report o

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Thank you Madam Chair

allow me to congratulate you at the outset on your appointment as the chair of this Committee and to assure of our full support.

Sri Lanka takes note of the content of the draft report, and we note with concern that the recommendations on the future mandate of the GGE have fallen short of the expectations of those who voiced for a more ambitious mandate for the GGE.

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Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects CCW Sixth Review Conference General Exchange of Views Statement-Sri Lanka 13.12.2021

13 dec 2021 2 CCW Rev con  

Mr. President,

Allow me at the outset to congratulate you on the assumption of the Presidency of the Sixth Review Conference. We also congratulate the other members of the Bureau upon their election. As you are leading this important conference amidst challenges posed by the pandemic situation as well as by the critical substantive issues before the Review Conference for discussion, I would like to assure you of the full support of my delegation to make this Conference a success. We sincerely hope that our discussions this week would lead to forward-looking outcomes that would contribute to further strengthening the implementation of the Convention and its Protocols.

The CCW framework is an important pillar of the multilateral disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control system. We therefore believe that the Review Conference provides an important opportunity to assess fast developing technologies and their application to sophisticated weapon systems with a view to providing legal clarity as well as possible improvements to the CCW framework through internationally agreed benchmarks in response to the evolving warfare technologies.

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Facilitation of swift entry for all arrivals to Sri Lanka

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Sri Lankans and foreigners arriving Sri Lanka require to complete the online Health Declaration Form prior to their arrival.

Declaration Form could be accessed through https://www.airport.lk/health_declaration/index

Additionally, the vaccine certificates and PCR tests could be submitted on arrival in hard copies enabling a smooth verification process.

Meeting of States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) 22-25 November 2021 Agenda item 5 - General Debate, statement of Sri Lanka

25 nov 2021 BWC state party meeting


Mr. Chairperson,

On behalf of the delegation of Sri Lanka, I would like to extend our congratulations to Ambassador Cleopa Mailu of the Republic of Kenya on his election as the Chair of the Meeting of States Parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). Please be assured of our delegation’s full co-operation and support in ensuring a successful conclusion to our deliberations. Sri Lanka also appreciates the Chairs of the Meetings of Experts and the staff of the Implementation Support Unit.

Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

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Seva Vanitha Unit of Sri Lanka Mission in Geneva donates Covid-19 medical equipment

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The Seva Vanitha Unit of the Sri Lanka Mission in Geneva comprising staff members and spouses through various fund raising activities collected the necessary funds and donated 8 Oxygen Concentrators to be used in government hospitals in Sri Lanka treating Covid-19 patients.

The donation was presented at a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage handed over the donation to State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana and Secretary of the State Ministry Dr.R.M.S.K.Rathnayake.

State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana who accepted the donation appreciated the efforts of the Mission staff members and spouses to raise funds to save lives during the Covid-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.

Foreign Ministry
Colombo

18 November, 2021

Nearly 12 000 landmines destroyed by Sri Lanka under the Mine Ban Convention

Geneva, Colombo September 2021 –“Sri Lanka is pleased to confirm that the Humanitarian Demining Unit of the Sri Lanka Army has destroyed nearly 12,000 stockpiled anti-personnel mines almost a year earlier than the deadline set to us by the treaty that bans the production, use, stockpile, and transfer of these indiscriminate weapons”, announced officials at the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) of Sri Lanka in a statement sent to the secretariat of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Also known as Ottawa Convention, the treaty unites over 80% of the world’s states and bans the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of these weapons.

NMAC, which oversees planning, coordination, and implementation of Sri Lanka’s obligations under the Convention, indicated that the mines were destroyed at the end of the summer in the Kilinochchi District, in the Northern Province. “With this act, Sri Lanka signals to the world its steadfast commitment to eradicating this scourge in line with the ongoing endeavours for reconciliation and lasting peace. Our efforts towards clearing all known mined areas will continue in partnership with international allies to reach the target of a mine-free Sri Lanka”, NMAC officials added.

Sri Lanka is one of a handful of countries in South Asia that have adhered to the international treatydoing so in 2017. Since then, the country has led efforts in promoting the Convention and its norms in the region.

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