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Last update:Wed, 08 May 2024

Media Release – Consular Assistance proviced by the Foreign Ministry during Covid-19 Pandemic

ForminSealThe Consular Affairs and Overseas Sri Lankans Division of the Foreign Ministry authenticates various documents through the Electronic Documentation Attestation System (e-DAS), which was implemented in 2017, facilitating Sri Lankans to trave abroad mainly for job employment and higher studies. Under Pre-Covid-19 environment, more than 1000 service seekers from different areas of the country obtained assistance daily through this system. The Electronic Document Attestation (e-DAS) is carried out through an innovate digital platform aimed at improving and streamlining the service with speedy process, which is linked in real time with Sri Lankan missions abroad, foreign missions based in Colombo, regional consular offices as well as other government institutions.


Media Release - German Ambassador Holger Seubert pays courtesy call on Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris

PeirisSeubert1The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sri Lanka, Holger Lothar Seubert, paid a courtesy call on the new Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Prof. G.L. Peiris, on Tuesday, 24th August at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo.

Media Release - Foreign Ministry expresses condolences on the demise of former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera

SamaraweeraForeign Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris and the staff of the Foreign Ministry express their deepest condolences on the passing away of former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. The late Minister Mangala Samaraweera served two terms as the Foreign Minister from 2005 - 2007 and 2015 - 2017. He will be remembered for his commitment and dedication to duty, for the values he stood for and for his humane qualities. Sri Lanka has lost a leader who was deeply committed to the welfare and development of his country.

Media Release - Foreign Ministry Consular Affairs Division provides limited services during the lockdown period

ForminGiven the nationwide lockdown in effect from 10 p.m. today (20 August, 2021) until 4.00 a.m. on 30 August, 2021, the Consular Affairs Divisionof the Foreign Ministry limits its services to those in urgent/genuine need during this period. Accordingly, the Consular Affairs Division situated at the Ceylinco Building in Colombo will remain closed for visitors during the lockdown period, and will only provide consular services, relating to cases of deaths of Sri Lankans overseas and attestation of export documents and relevant certificates strictly by appointment only. The Regional consular offices will provide services related to cases of deaths of Sri Lankans overseas.

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris assumes duties

PeirisSigningThe newly appointed Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris assumed duties at the Ministry today (18 August, 2021) at a simple ceremony graced by outgoing Foreign Minister and the new Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena; State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya; State Minister of Women and Child Development, Preschools & Primary Education, School Infrastructure & Education Services Piyal Nishantha De Silva;  Member of Parliament and General Secretary of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Sagara Kariyawasam; Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and other officials. The Buddhist clergy led by the chief incumbent of the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero invoked blessings on the occasion.

Media Release - Statement on situation in Afghanistan

ForminThe Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and is closely monitoring developments. Our primary concern is the safety and security of Sri Lankans living in Afghanistan and evacuating them to safety or back to Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the governments of USA, UK, India, Pakistan and the United Nations to assist in evacuating the Sri Lankans in Afghanistan, should they desire to do so.

Kandy Esala Perahera / Sri Dalada Perahera 2021

RandoliTeaserSmallThe glorious citadel of Kandy comes alive every year with bright lights, fire breathers, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, traditional dancers, drummers, colours and magnificence; all coming together in an iconic parade, for a noble procession that began over 1700 years ago to commemorate the gods and pay homage to the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha and it is considered the oldest cultural event in the world The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Dalada Perahera or the ‘festival of the tooth’, is considered the epitome of the country’s Buddhist celebrations, blessed with divinity and blessings for this ancient island by means of rainfall to ensure a bountiful harvest. The festival spans across 11 days with ceremonies that have captured the awe of audiences across the globe, and will once again parade the streets of Kandy this year from the 13th to the 23rd of August; under vigilant health and safety guidelines in lieu of the pandemic this year.