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THE ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA) FACILITY From 01st January 2012, the on-line visa system (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for travelers to Sri Lanka has been activated. The new Internet based on-line visa issuance system namely the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has been established by the Immigration and Emigration Department of Sri Lanka to simplify the visa process and facilitate short stay visitors. Accordingly, all visitors to Sri Lanka including transit passengers will have to apply for travel authorization on-line prior to their visit to Sri Lanka. Foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, medical treatments, sports, cultural shows, competitions, business conferences, training programmes and seminars can apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization via www.eta.gov.lk. If there are queries regarding the ETA system please contact the Embassy.
SRI LANKA LIFTS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR FOREIGNERS'TRAVELLING TO NORTH The Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka lifted travel restrictions hitherto imposed on foreign passport holders, including diplomats, NGOs and INGOs visiting North. Accordingly, foreign passport holders intend to visit North as tourists are no longer required to seek the approval of the Ministry of Defence. PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA VISITS CHINA President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapakse and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met on 11th August 2011 in Beijing, pledging to enhance the two countries' cooperation. The ever deepening friendship and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka have brought substantial benefits to the two peoples and promoted regional peace and development, Wen said. He added that China is ready to help with Sri Lanka's economic development, promote communication between the two countries with regard to infrastructure construction, enlarge two-way trade and investment, and strengthen cultural and personnel exchanges. President Rajapakse, who hailed the deep traditional friendship with China, appreciated China's valuable long-term support. He said Sri Lanka will enhance cooperation with China in all fields and promote bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation. President Rajapaksa also met the Chinese President Hu Jintao and attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Summer Universiade held in Shenzhen on 12th August 2011. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was on a 4 day official visit to China, declared open the new Sri Lanka Research Centre at the Foreign Studies University in Beijing on 11th August 2011. The President was the Chief Guest at this function held at the Foreign Studies University of Beijing which coincides with the 70 years of establishing the University and 50 years of establishing the Sinhala Language Education Unit of the University. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was received at the University by the Chancellor of the University Professor Chen Yulu and at this function an Honorary Doctorate was also presented to President Rajapaksa by the Foreign Studies University of Beijing. PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA MEETS CHINESE PREMIER WEN JIABAO President Mahinda Rajapaksa held cordial bilateral discussions with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Zhong Nan Hai, Beijing on 11th August 2011. Expressing his gratitude for the Chinese assistance for the number of ongoing projects in Sri Lanka, President Rajapaksa apprised the Chinese Prime Minister about the post-conflict developments in the country and the government’s commitment to carry out major infrastructure development to ensure balanced economic progress in all regions. Read more ...http://www.mea.gov.lk/index.php/en/news-from-other-media/2957-china-will-assist-lanka-when-needed-chinese-pm- AMBASSADOR RANJITH UYANGODA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO Newly appointed Ambassador to China Ranjith Uyangoda presented credentials to Chinese President Hu Jintao on 16th August 2011 at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, People's Republic of China. Read more ... http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2011/09/02/ambassador-china-ranjith-uyangoda-presented-credentials-chinese-president PRIME MINISTER D. M. JAYARATNE DELIVERS KEYNOTE SPEECH AT CIFIT, XIAMEN, CHINA China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) provides a window for an extensive dialogue on global economic issues, trends of international capital flows, new investment priorities and emerging industries offering participants the most authoritative and up to date information on investment in China and beyond, said Sri Lanka Prime Minister D M Jayaratne delivering the key note speech at the inauguration of CIFIT 2011 forum held in Xiamen. He further added that during the past five years, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, we have developed unprecedented strong bilateral relations not only with the central government, but also with the provincial governments of China. Read more ... http://english.xm.gov.cn/NEWS/201109/t20110911_425747.html STATEMENT BY HON. MAHINDA SAMARASINGHE, MP, SPECIAL ENVOY OF H. E. THE PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT THE UNHRC, GENEVA - 12TH SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MIGHT OF POWERFUL NATIONS CANNOT PREVAIL AGAINST JUSTICE AND FAIR PLAY - PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSA AT UNGA Addressing the United Nationa General Assembly on 23rd September 2011, President Mahinda Rajapaksa Rajapaksa said “I am deeply mindful … that the battle for peace is every bit as important and difficult as the struggle against terror. After the eradication of terrorism, my government has turned its undivided attention to building anew, the foundations of a unified and vibrant nation and drawing upon the inherent strengths of our country and in particular, the unique caliber of our human potential". Read more ...http://www.mea.gov.lk/index.php/201109233028/Media-Releases/the-might-of-powerful-nations-cannot-prevail-against-justice-and-fair-play-president-at-unga.html SRI LANKA ESTABLISHES DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH RWANDA A joint announcement has been made by Sri Lanka’s External Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Rwanda about the establishment of diplomatic relations. Upon the completion of exchange of formal notes between the Ministry of External Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda through their respective missions in New Delhi, the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Rwanda decided to establish Diplomatic Relations between the two countries with effect from 20th April 2011. Read more ...http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2011/10/17/sri-lanka-and-rwanda-have-established-diplomatic-relations MINISTER G. L. PEIRIS MEETS FRENCH MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS During a two day visit to Paris on the 12th and 13th of October 2011, Minister of External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris met French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Juppé at the Quai D’Orsay. Minister Juppé welcomed efforts of economic revival and reconciliation projects in post war Sri Lanka, while signaling as one of France’s priority interests and concerns, “Sri Lanka’s plans for greater regional autonomy”. Read more ...http://www.mea.gov.lk/index.php/en/media/3074-minister-gl-peiris-meets-french-minister-of-foreign-affairs-and-diplomatic-advisor-to-president-sarkozy-in-paris-
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DEPUTY MINISTER MEETS MAYOR OF BEITUNIA OF THE PALESTINE NATIONAL AUTHORITY
The meeting provided a better opportunity to enhance the longstanding and friendly relations maintained between Sri Lanka and the Palestine National Authority.
SRI LANKA DONATED OVER US$ 50,000 WORTH OF AID TO THAILAND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DEPUTY MINISTER CALLS ON THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Deputy Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera called on United Arab Emirates Foreign Trade Minister Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi. The Deputy Minister briefed her on the post conflict situation in Sri Lanka and the challenges faced by the Government. The UAE Minister assured her country’s cooperation to Sri Lanka at all times. Both parties discussed measures to enhance bilateral relations. Sri Lanka’s potential as lucrative investment destination was emphasized. The Deputy Minister invited investors from the UAE to explore opportunities.
SRI LANKA AMONG TOP SIX DESTINATIONS FOR WORLD TRAVELLERS 2012
“This is a proud achievement for Sri Lanka and augurs well in its bid to reach 2.5 million tourists by 2016,” a spokesman for Sri Lanka Tourism said. The prestigious magazine, in its November-December issue lauded the island nation’s heritage sites, wildlife, lush landscapes and pristine beaches. “Sri Lanka means resplendent isle, and the natural charm of this pear-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, that nearly kisses the southeast tip of India, are indeed splendid.... Sri Lanka’s hill country features stunning scenery, tea plantations and ancient Buddhist temples,” it said, adding that, “Today peace prevails”.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER PROF. G.L. PEIRIS MEETS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT YASUSHI AKASHI
The Qatari Prime Minister on December 12 (Monday), evening met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat for bilateral discussions. Several Cabinet Ministers, Secretaries to the Ministries and heads of some Government Institutions were present at the bilateral discussions. Qatari Premier expressed his sincere appreciation to President Rajapaksa for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and reiterated Qatar’s firm resolve to further strengthening of multifaceted relations with Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa briefed the Qatari counterpart on the post war development, peace, and reconciliation in the country and the potential investment opportunities exist for the international community to partake in the emerging sectors in the Sri Lankan economy. The Qatari Prime Minister praised President Rajapaksa over the achievements of the Government of Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the conflict and emphasized the need for closer links between the two countries in the economic cooperation and investment promotion. The Qatari premier also said that the Government of the State of Qatar and its investors are ready to invest in the mega hotel projects in tourist zones of Sri Lanka. The Qatari Prime Minister informed that a group of leading Qatari investors will visit Sri Lanka to explore the possibilities for mobilization of more Qatar investment in the tourism industry and also infrastructure projects in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. He reiterated that the prevailing bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Government of Sri Lanka will further be strengthened for the benefit of the two countries in the years ahead. President Rajapaksa hosted the Qatari Premier and the delegation to a Banquet at the president’s house that evening. On December 13, 2011, Minister of External Affairs, Prof Peiris called on the Qatari Prime Minister. During the discussion with the Qatari Premier, the External Affairs Minister expressing his gratitude for the interest shown by the Qatari Premier to select Sri Lanka as a potential investment site, briefed the delegates on the potential opportunities in the tourism sector including development of tourist resorts and the investment opportunities in the Colombo Stock Exchange. The Qatari Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister had a meeting with the Minister of Economic Development in Colombo on the same day. The Qatari Premier along with his delegation met with a group of prominent businessmen and entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka in the presence of the External Affairs Minister and the Senior Minister for International Monetary Cooperation. During the meetings the Qatari Prime Minister showed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka particularly in the areas of tourism including investment in hotels and also in the Colombo Stock Exchange. The Qatari Premier visit to Sri Lanka is expected to consolidate the longstanding bilateral relations and also open up new avenues of cooperation for mutual benefit between the two countries.
SRI LANKA EMBASSY IN BEIJING CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing organized Christmas celebrations at the Embassy premises with the participation of Sri Lankans living in Beijing and Chinese well wishers. The celebrations included a Christmas prayer by the Father of South Cathedral Xuanwumen, speech by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China, Ranjith Uyangoda and Christmas Carols by the Church Choir. The arrival of Santa Claus with special gifts for the children was a joyful experience for those present at the celebrations. A raffle draw was arranged with a number of attractive prizes including Sri Lankan Airlines providing two return Air tickets to Sri Lanka. All the guests were invited for a festive Christmas dinner at the Residence following the official function.
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