Category: Special Reports
68,000 Sri Lankans awaiting return: Foreign Secretary
Despite the worsening global situation triggered by the Covid pandemic, the process of repatriation of Sri Lankans, one of the most pressing challenges at hand has been judiciously spear headed by the Foreign Ministry under the directive of Minister Dinesh Gunawardana, enduring insurmountable challenges overseas amid lockdowns, isolations, curfews and closure of air space, to ensure swift return of Sri Lankans who are in distress. Since the evacuation of 33 students from Wuhan City, in February 2019, the Ministry has been carrying out the task of repatriation for almost a year now and […]
Sri Lanka to launch e-Land Registration programme by August
Jun 30, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s e-Land Registration programme is expected to launch by August this year with the support of the Information & Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), President’s Media Division said. Under this programme, an e-Passbook will be issued for the lands registered under the e-Land Registration system. With the new registration programme, […]
We are pleased to contribute towards MCC review committee: Bar Association of Sri Lanka
Jun 29, 2020 (LBO) – Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) says that they are pleased to have contributed towards the final conclusions of the committee appointed to review the MCC. “We are pleased to note that a number of concerns highlighted in our observations have been recognized by the Special Committee,” the BASL said […]
Sri Lanka raises concerns on reference to SL in OHCHR press release
Jun 09, 2020 (LBO) – 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” […]
Lebanon to conduct free PCR tests for Sri Lankans seeking to be repatriated
Jun 06, 2020 (LBO) – The government of Lebanon has agreed to conduct free PCR tests for Sri Lankans seeking to be repatriated, the Ministry of Foreign Relations said. In line with the Sri Lanka policy on repatriating Sri Lankans overseas, Ambassador Shani Calyaneratne Karunaratne had discussions with the Lebanese Minister of Labour, Madame Lamia […]
CA Sri Lanka signs MoU with People’s Bank for COVID-19 loan scheme for members
May 27, 2020 (LBO) – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with People’s Bank this week to facilitate members of the Institute to obtain a special loan of up to Rs. 20 million. The loan scheme is available for members who have been […]
Seychelles HC clarifies on the arrival of 35 Seychelles nationals to Sri Lanka
STATEMENT from SEYCHELLES HIGH COMMISSION On behalf of the Government of Seychelles, we wish to place on record our gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health, for enabling the visit of a group of 35 citizens of Seychelles, 24 of whom require urgent medical care, of […]
Over 38,000 Sri Lankans in 143 countries seek to return home
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – Over 38,983 Overseas Sri Lankans (OSLs) in 143 countries at present seek to return home, based on information gathered mainly through the ‘Contact Sri Lanka’ Web Portal of the Ministry of Foreign Relations. This comprises 3,078 students, 4,040 short term visa holders, 27,854 Migrant workers, 3527 dependents and 484 duel […]
Local epidemiology should guide focused action in ‘new normal’ COVID-19 world: WHO
May 15, 2020 (LBO) – Amid rising cases of COVID-19 and as countries in WHO South-East Asia Region ease lockdowns in a graded manner, WHO today said careful assessment of local epidemiology should guide future actions to combat the virus. “Countries in the Region must continue to take evidence-informed action and conduct careful risk assessments […]
WHO and DFAT donate vital equipment and supplies to fight COVID-19 in Sri Lanka
May 11, 2020 (LBO) – The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over a donation of essential laboratory equipment, hospital equipment, personal protective equipment, and consumables to the Government of Sri Lanka to address the COVID-19 crisis. The procurement, of over 800,000 USD, focused on equipment that is essential to effectively controlling COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. […]
ADB’s trade finance program supports medical supplies to combat COVID in Sri Lanka
May 06, 2020 (LBO) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided a guarantee for a $25 million trade loan to the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka (SPC) to purchase medical supplies as part of the country’s response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The supplies, to be purchased by SPC with the […]
United States commits USD5.8 mn in COVID-19 assistance to Sri Lanka
May 06, 2020 (LBO) – The United States announced the commitment of more than $4.5 million to help Sri Lanka in its fight against COVID-19. This brings the total U.S. contribution to $5.8 million. “This assistance continues the long tradition of U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s security and sovereignty,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka […]