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