Certifying the Information in the NC/F format with regard to registration of voters in areas where resettlement has been partially done / not been done
Information on Sri Lankan citizens who were living in partially resettled/ non – resettled areas in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar Districts in the Northern Province and are currently living overseas is being collected by the Election Commission to register their names on the Electoral Register.
Accordingly, once the persons concerned have completed the NC/F format (which can be downloaded from the link given below), please submit the same to this Permanent Mission on or before 01.02.2021.
Please be informed that the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Geneva will accept applications for renewal of Sri Lankan driving licenses.
Please find further information with regard to the application procedure from following link:
https://www.lankamission.org/2013-07-02-05-11-06/consular-services/driving-license.html
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN
Geneva
05.01.2021
STATEMENT BY
SRI LANKA ON BEHALF OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE ISRAELI PRACTICES AFFECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE AND OTHER ARABS OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
AT THE SPECIAL MEETING IN OBSERVANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL
DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
GENEVA, 8 DECEMBER 2020
Madam Chair,
Sri Lanka is pleased to address this Special Meeting to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, as the Chair of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories.
2. This year marks the 73rd year since the passage of General Assembly Resolution 181 (ii) of 1947 and the 43rd year since the General Assembly established the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. They remain painful reminders of the unfinished task of resolving the question of Palestine. We join others in standing together on this day, united and bound by a common purpose to seek ways for a peaceful, just and equitable solution to the plight of the Palestinian people.
Madam Chair,
3. The Special Committee presented its 52nd Report, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 74/87 last month, and the report was presented to the General Assembly for adoption, on 2 December 2020.
4. The Committee had online briefings and consultations with Member States, UN agencies and civil society, and focused a portion of its report on the gendered impact, of Israeli practices and policies, on the human rights of Palestinian women and girls, and the impact of COVID-19 on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
5. The Special Committee also made 18 and 8 recommendations to the Israeli Government, and to the international community respectively, to ensure that the welfare and human rights of the Palestinian people are safeguarded.
Madam Chair,
6. The Committee remains concerned on a number of human rights issues related to the ongoing expansion of illegal Israeli settlements.
7. The Committee is dismayed that de facto annexation of Palestinian territory continues to take place with rising settlement expansion, home confiscations and demolitions, and acts of violence and human rights violations against the Palestinian People.
8. The Committee remains alarmed that Israel’s annexation plans have not been abandoned. We join the international community in continuing to underscore that any annexation would constitute a grave breach of international law, the United Nations Charter and relevant Security Council Resolutions. We remain concerned on the recent demolition and seizures in the occupied West Bank early this month including in Area C and East Jerusalem.
9. The Committee calls on Israeli authorities to cease demolitions, seizures of Palestinian property and forcible relocation of communities that are contrary to international law and jeopardize the establishment of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state.
10. We remain concerned that despite the pandemic - instances of excessive use of force, home demolitions, settler violence and night raids have continued to be reported, and in some cases even at a higher level than periods before the pandemic.
11. The Committee recalls that Israel, as the occupying power, is responsible for ensuring the right to health for Palestinians and urges Israel to take the necessary measures to ensure that Palestinians are protected from the outbreak, and have access to required medical services.
Madam Chair,
12. The blockade of Gaza enters its 14th year and the situation remains dire - more than 90% of the water is undrinkable due to water contamination, almost half of the population is unemployed and living below the poverty line, with 80% relying on humanitarian assistance.
13. The Committee calls upon the Government of Israel, to end the blockade and occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the occupied Syrian Golan, in compliance with relevant Security Council resolutions; implementation of all UN Resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, the cessation of all illegal settlement activities; desist from the illegal practice of demolitions, cease all annexation plans in the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and the occupied Syrian Golan, and to investigate cases of excessive use of force.
Madam Chair,
14. The Special Committee joins the consistent call by the international community, for a just and lasting resolution of the question of Palestine, based on the two-State solution on 1967 borders, and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
15. The overwhelming solidarity with the Palestinian people demonstrates that the international community supports a negotiated settlement, for a just and peaceful solution.
16. On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, let their resilience and strength of purpose, inspire us to reinvigorate our collective efforts and commitment, to forge a lasting settlement on the Question of Palestine.
17. To this end, we reaffirm our steadfast support of their cause and uphold the rights of the Palestinian people in striving to gain their legitimate rights and aspirations towards building a future of peace, justice, security and dignity.
I thank you.
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Ambassador C.A. Chandraprema presented credentials on 10th November 2020 to Madam Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, at the Palais des Nations accrediting him as the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva.
Welcoming the new Permanent Representative, Director General Madam Valovaya apprised him of the diverse areas in which her Office remained engaged in Geneva and highlighted the integrated SDG Lab, a multi stakeholder initiative that contributes to implementation of SDGs and International Gender Champions Initiative in Geneva. Ambassador Chandraprema explained that Sri Lanka continues to implement a number of initiatives on SDGs in Sri Lanka and that he looks forward to engaging with SDG Lab.
The Eighteenth Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction
Agenda Item: 7. General exchange of views (continued)
Mr. President,
At the outset I would like to commend the excellent manner in which you lead the work of the Convention and to appreciate your team for facilitating this meeting despite the extraordinary circumstances.
Sri Lanka will be pleased to join the Article 5 Implementation Committee exemplifying Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to advancing as well as contributing to the universal realisation of the salutary objectives of the Convention.
International Dialogue on Migration – 2020
Panel 2: Protection of vulnerable migrants during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Statement by Sri Lanka
15 October 2020
Mr Antonio Vittorino, DG/IOM
Excellencies and Colleagues
The focus of this panel on the protection of vulnerable migrants during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic is not only timely but a present necessity. It is our hope that this discussion will lead to a better understanding of the issues, challenges and gaps in providing protection and assistance to this group, and result in stronger cooperation between Governments and other stakeholders in the development of policies, practises and networks ensuring greater assistance and protection for vulnerable migrants during the present pandemic and beyond.
Migrant workers comprise 3.5% of the world’s population and are a crucial part of the global workforce. The contribution of migrant workers to economic growth and development has become critical not only for the countries of origin, but also for upward socioeconomic mobility in the region and internationally.
UN Human Rights Council Social Forum 2020
The role of the state and public policies to address poverty and inequalities
09 October 2020
Statement by Sri Lanka
Mr. Co-Chair,
At the outset, Sri Lanka wishes to congratulate the distinguished Permanent Representatives of Azerbaijan and Mongolia who serve as co-chair rapporteurs of the 2020 Social Forum, an annual engagement of this Council to which my country attaches great importance.
As a country whose post-independence national policies have been premised exclusively on the wellbeing of its people, the role of the state and the public policies of Sri Lanka have for long years been oriented in the trajectory of addressing poverty and inequalities among its population.
Statement by Sri Lanka at the General Debate of the 71st Annual Session of the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) programme
Mr. Chairperson,
High Commissioner Mr. Filippo Grandi,
Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
Sri Lanka takes this opportunity to congratulate you and the Bureau for the excellent manner in which you have steered the work of the Executive Committee since assumption of Office in 2019.
We appreciate the presentation by the High Commissioner and his important remarks on the on how the Global Compact on Refugees has enabled the response to both new and protracted refugee crises, as well as to the COVID-19 emergency. We value his efforts and those of his dedicated staff for their continuous efforts to assist and improve the well-being of over 79.5 million displaced persons worldwide with a view to ensuring sustainable solutions for their concerns. Unfortunately, as per the global trends, the numbers keep on rising, while possibilities for durable solutions become complicated by the day.
45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 5: Interactive dialogue with the Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights on the report of the Secretary-General on co-operation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights
30 September 2020
Statement by Sri Lanka
Madam President,
The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) wishes to make the following observations with regard to the reference contained in the Annual Report of the Secretary-General on "Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights", presented to this Council:
With regard to alleged “intimidating visits”, “surveillance”, complaints of harassment” and “reprisals” referred to in the Report, the GoSL wishes to make an invitation to the parties concerned to make formal complaints to law enforcement authorities or to independent national institutions such as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka or the National Police Commission, so that action can be taken to investigate the alleged incidents.
The Government has already publicly refuted these allegations, and is committed to protecting and promoting freedom of expression and civil society space, and ensure that complaints received on alleged attacks against journalists, human rights defenders and civil society are investigated and prosecuted.
It is also reiterated that, apart from operating routine security networks in the interest of national security, particularly after the devastating Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, the Security Forces and intelligence agencies are not engaged in monitoring any specific group of people in the country.
We believe that, for any country compromising its national security interests amidst looming sophistication of strategies of radical and extreme elements world around, is bound to face regrettable consequences. Hence, the GoSL requests all parties to be mindful of that ground reality in this context.
45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 7: General Debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, during the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council
30 September 2020
Statement by Sri Lanka
Madam President,
Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Non Aligned Movement.
Sri Lanka’s long held principled position on this matter has been clear. We recognize the legitimate and inalienable right of the people of Palestine to statehood and to the natural resources in their territory. Any form of annexation, irrespective of its size, would constitute a violation of international law, jeopardize prospects for a peaceful settlement to the issue and cause destabilization of peace and security in the Middle East region.
Recent UN reports, including by the Secretary General, have indicated continued human rights violations of the Palestinian people in the OPT. We therefore urge Israel to abandon completely its annexation plans as well as similar activities, and respect the rights of the Palestinian people to fundamental freedoms and security. We echo the expectation of the Secretary General that the recent agreement would lead to an opportunity for re-engagement for constructive and meaningful negotiations to resolve conflict in line with the two-state solution based on relevant UN resolutions and international law.
Statements Delivered by Sri Lanka at the Meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts (GCE) on Emerging Technologies in the areas of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) held in Geneva on from 21-25 September 2020.
Agenda Item : 5(a) An exploration of the potential challenges posed by emerging technologies in the area of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems to International Humanitarian Law;
Mr. Chair,
Excellencies, Distinguished participants,
At the outset, Sri Lanka would like to congratulate you on your assumption of the Chair of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Emerging Technologies in the Field of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). We also take this opportunity to appreciate the former Chair of the GGE on LAWS Ambassador Kārkliņš, for his commitment and efforts to continue the momentum. Let me assure you Mr. Chair, of the support of our delegation to the continuation of substantive deliberations in the GGE on LAWS during this year and in 2021.
It is unfortunate that the unexpected circumstances during this year as well as the difficulty to reach consensus on key aspects of the GGE have led to a lack of substantive progress that many of us would have expected to achieve.
45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 3:
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of
truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non- recurrence
17 September 2020
Madam President,
As this Council is aware, in November last year, the people of Sri Lanka gave a resounding mandate to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to pursue a policy framework aimed at achieving the fourfold outcome of “a productive citizenry, a contented family, a disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.”
The people of Sri Lanka gave a second mandate at the General Election held last month, with an unprecedented percentage of 59.09%, for the first time in the history in an election held under the Proportional Representation System. This is a re-endorsement of the first mandate and a clear signal of their support for a path forward for the country, towards prosperity while safeguarding the people and protecting the sovereignty of the country without succumbing to any force.
At a time when even the most powerful countries in the world were left helpless in the wake of COVID – 19 pandemic, Sri Lanka was able to successfully face the challenge by containing the spread of COVID-19, thanks to a well-coordinated mechanism of preventive measures at the national level assisted by a robust local healthcare system.
45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to development
16 September 2020
Statement by Sri Lanka
Madam President,
Sri Lanka thanks the Special Rapporteur (SR) on the Right to Development for his thematic report (A/HRC/45/15) on “financing for development”. We appreciate the activities undertaken by him during the past year in furtherance of the mandate.
The current report of the SR is being presented to this Council at a time when the world continues to grapple with an unprecedented global crisis in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, in addition to challenging the health and safety of millions, has threatened to stymie if not reverse many hard-earned gains of developing countries in delivering on the 2030 sustainable development agenda. In this regard, we welcome the SR’s call to governments and international financial institutions, in April 2020, to remain true to their commitment under the 2030 agenda and to the promise “to leave no one behind” in their response to the COVID crisis. We echo the SR’s grave concerns regarding the profound impact that the pandemic will have on financing for development, and look forward to his report to the General Assembly which would examine the effects of the pandemic from the perspective the right to development.
45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 2: General Debate
15 September 2020
Statement by Sri Lanka
Madam President,
Sri Lanka wishes to respond to the references made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights to Sri Lanka in the ‘Global Human Rights Update’ on 14 September 2020.
As this Council is aware, since February/March this year, the entire world was challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, a health crisis of a global scale, which had impacted many aspects of governance in many countries, and Sri Lanka was no exception.
We hope that this Council would appreciate that Sri Lanka while successfully containing the spread of COVID-19 through a balanced, multi-sectoral approach, and despite this challenge, held its commitment to the democratic processes, and conducted Parliamentary elections successfully and peacefully, last month, which the EU has acknowledged.
45th Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 2: Enhanced interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on the human rights impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
15 September 2020
Madam President,
As this Council is aware, last November, the people of Sri Lanka gave a resounding mandate to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to pursue a policy framework aimed at achieving the fourfold outcome of “a productive citizenry, a contented family, a disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.
This historic mandate was renewed by the people at the General Election held last August, with an unprecedented percentage of 59.09% votes, for the first time in the history, in an election held under the Proportional Representation System. This is a clear signal of the support of the people of Sri Lanka for a path forward for the country, towards prosperity while safeguarding the people and protecting the sovereignty of the country without succumbing to any force.
It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Colombo by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PSTF) that Sri Lankan nationals abroad have been seeking to enter Sri Lanka via Male without prior PSTF approval. It is reported that such individuals have been travelling to Male on commercial flights from different destinations including from Central Europe, and have been stranded in Male due to lack of PSTF approval to proceed to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan nationals are hereby advised to refrain from seeking to return to Sri Lanka via Male, Maldives, without prior PSTF approval. Sri Lankans in Switzerland who wish to be repatriated to Sri Lanka are kindly requested to register with the Mission by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. under the subject “Request Assistance to Return to Sri Lanka”.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations - Geneva
15.09. 2020
Statement by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
44th Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 7: ID with SR on Occupied Palestinian Territory
16th July 2020
Madam President,
Sri Lanka takes note of the report presented by Mr. Michael Lynk, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.
Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement delivered by Azerbaijan on behalf of the NAM.
We share the concerns raised by the UN Secretary General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices and the Special Rapporteur, on the planned annexation by Israel which would constitute a grave breach of international law, including the UN Charter, relevant Conventions as well as Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
09 July 2020
Statement by Sri Lanka
Mr. Vice President,
Sri Lanka thanks Mr. Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for the report on his visit to Sri Lanka from 18-26 July 2019 (A/HRC/44/50/Add.1). The Government of Sri Lanka shared its comments on the contents of the Special Rapporteur’s advanced unedited report, some of which have been incorporated into the final version that has been presented today. At this interactive dialogue, we wish to share some further comments on matters contained in the report, and provide updates where available.
Mr. Vice President,
As acknowledged by the Special Rapporteur in his Report, the Government of Sri Lanka extended full cooperation and support to the Special Rapporteur “before, during and after the visit, especially given the great difficulties presented at the time”, demonstrating commitment to engage constructively and meaningfully with the Special Rapporteur.
We take note of the recognition in the report, of Sri Lanka’s “particular circumstances as a post-conflict and multi-ethnic society”, and the Special Rapporteur’s condolences to the victims of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
The facilitation of the Special Rapporteur’s visit, even as the country was grappling with challenges associated with a new manifestation of terrorism, demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to continue its constructive engagement with UN human rights mechanisms. The visit of the Special Rapporteur was among the 9 country visits undertaken by Special Procedure Mandate Holders on different thematic mandates to Sri Lanka in the past 5 years, and we remain committed to fostering this cooperative dialogue.
Statement by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
44th Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
06 July 2020
Madam President,
Sri Lanka welcomes the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.
The contribution of migrant workers to economic growth and development is increasingly becoming critical not only for their own countries, but also as a catalyst for the upward socio-economic mobility in the region and internationally.
We believe that the COVID-19 crisis taught the world that coordinated and concerted efforts are needed to ensure that migrant health is addressed without discrimination throughout the migration cycle. A further consequence of Covid-19 has been the shrinking of the employment market, which could lead to a serious shortfall in the numbers of migrant workers who will leave for work this year and in turn a drop in worker remittances.
Statement by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
44th Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Right of Everyone to the Enjoyment of the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health
06 July 2020
Madam President,
Sri Lanka welcomes the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. We believe this is timely given that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting both the physical and mental health of the peoples around the world in an unprecedented manner.
According to WHO statistics, the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 has been identified as suicide and most causes are both preventable and treatable. It is distressing that every 40 seconds, someone is dying of suicide somewhere in the world.
It is important to ask what kind of concerns mental health issues cause for humanity and what must be done to address this challenge as we pursue a policy of 'leaving no one behind' in advancing the UN development agenda- 2030, and specially SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being.
44th Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner
02 July 2020
Statement by Sri Lanka
Madam President,
Sri Lanka welcomes the presentation by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Annual Report of her Office for 2019.We appreciate the initiatives taken by the Office to provide technical and financial assistance to States upon request, and highlight the need for equitable geographical representation in the Office. In continuation of our commitment to constructive engagement, Sri Lanka will be making a voluntary contribution of USD 5000 to the Office of the High Commissioner in 2020.
Sri Lanka also notes the oral update provided to this Council by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday, on COVID-19 related human rights implications in the world. We welcome the High Commissioner’s request for greater international solidarity in recovering from the pandemic, especially her call to recognize a future COVID-19 vaccine as ‘a global public good’, and the call for easing or suspension of sanctions that hinder pandemic-related relief.
As a country that has guaranteed free universal healthcare to all its people since 1953, through one of the highest per capita health expenditures in its region, Sri Lanka has been able to successfully contain the spread of COVID-19 through a balanced, multi-sectoral approach.
43rd Session of the Human Rights Council
Agenda Item 1 - Urgent Debate on the “current racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism, police brutality and the violence against peaceful protest”
Statement by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
17 June 2020
Madam President,
Sri Lanka considers this Urgent Debate on “racially inspired human rights violations, systemic racism and police brutality against people of African descent, and violence against peaceful protest” an important and timely decision by the Human Rights Council (HRC) during its on-going 43rd session. We thank the African Group for proposing this initiative and the members of the Council for endorsing it.
Statement by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
43rd Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 7: General Debate
15 June 2020
Madam President,
Sri Lanka takes this opportunity to re-iterate its consistent and principled position that the people of Palestine have a legitimate and inalienable right to statehood and to the natural resources in their territory.
In this respect, we take note of the reports presented by the High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories under Agenda Item 7 and express deep concern on, among other matters, the issue pertaining to settlement expansion, particularly the recent decision by the Government of Israel to proceed with the annexation of significant parts of the occupied West Bank. l. We echo the alarm expressed by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967 and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in this connection, and join international calls to urge the Government of Israel to halt any annexation activities, which would have far reaching and devastating repercussions. As stated in the Communique of the NAM Coordinating Bureau, of 15 May 2020, we note that this would constitute a grave breach of international law, including the UN Charter, relevant conventions as well as Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
Sri Lanka’s Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Dayani Mendis, in a letter addressed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has raised concerns regarding the allegations made in a press release issued by the High Commissioner on 03 June 2020 regarding “clampdown” of freedom of expression during COVID-19, in which a reference had been made to Sri Lanka.
The letter highlights that it has become essential for all countries and Governments to take measures to counter misinformation and disinformation in the interest of protecting public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures are also in line with the consensus resolution on COVID-19 response adopted on 18 May 2020 at the 73 World Health Assembly (WHA), which also, inter alia, calls on Member States to provide the population with reliable and comprehensive information on COVID-19 and take measures to counter misinformation and disinformation.
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.
Modalities to issue temporary travel documents to undocumented workers abroad following proper authentication procedures has been agreed on by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. This follows consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations and Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). It is intended to facilitate the repatriation of migrant workers, once the Government decides on a timeline for their repatriation.
This was discussed at a meeting convened today (04 May 2020) by the Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations, Dinesh Gunawardena with the relevant line agencies.
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