Is there any silver lining in the dark cloud for ‘Ceylon Tea’ ? The Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka (TRI) has released a scientific paper under the theme: ‘ Anti - viral ’ properties of tea - black tea may become the unique brew of choice with no side effects to fight against Corona Virus? ".
Foreign Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena met with senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Relations today at the Ministry to discuss about the welfare of the Sri Lankan expatriate communities, difficulties currently being faced by these communities and ways to explore practical solutions to assist expatriate communities at this time of need.
The Ministry of Foreign Relations, sensitive to the concerns of the OSLs amidst the rapid spread of the COVID-19 and the inability to return to Sri Lanka, has held consultations over the past 2 days with its Heads of Missions based in 67 cities across the world, to facilitate the wellbeing and safety of Overseas Sri Lankans, while pre paring for any exigencies they could have to meet in the coming days.
Deshamanya Professor W.D. Lakshman
Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1, Sri Lanka
02nd April 2020
Appeal to all Sri Lankans and well-wishers living in Sri Lanka and abroad: An Appeal made with the Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
This is further to the previous notice released by the Department of lmmigration and Emigration on 1-7.03.2020 with regard tothe extension of visas for the Foreigners residing in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the validity period of all types of Visas had been extended for a period of 30 days with effect from 14th March 2O2Oto 12th April 2020. Having considered the spread of Covid-19 virus in the country, it has been decided to further extend the validity period of all types of Visas issued to all foreigners who are currently residing in Sri Lanka from another 30 days.
With direct deposits and donations from organizations and individual donors, the COVID – 19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund’s balance surpasses Rs. 242 million.
The Sri Lanka Missions in South Asia, in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, have been closely engaging with the Sri Lankan communities overseas and are working towards assisting and facilitating the many Sri Lankan expatriates in the region in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic. Mission wise, databases of Sri Lankan students and other expatriates are being compiled by the Missions with a view to keeping in close contact and ensuring their welfare at all times.