High Commission of Srilanka in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority discusses investment cooperation with the Sri Lanka High Commission

Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody accompanied by Counsellor / Commerce Srimali Jayarathne held a productive meeting with the newly appointed Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury on 14 November 2024 at the BIDA office in Dhaka. High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody congratulated Ashik Chowdhury on his new appointment as the Executive Chairman of BIDA and the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA). The High Commissioner highlighted that Bangladesh has become one of the favorite overseas destinations for Sri Lankan businesses to expand their operations. Currently, around 80 Sri Lankan investment projects are operating in Bangladesh across various sectors, including Banking and Finance, Textiles and Apparel, Power, Hospitality, Logistics, Food Processing and Tourism etc. Further, there is considerable potential for Sri Lankan companies to expand their investments in Bangladesh in the new emerging sectors including Education, ICT, Healthcare, Business Services, Contractions, Real Estate and Agribusiness etc. The High Commissioner also mentioned the promising opportunities available for Bangladeshi companies to invest in Sri Lanka's pharmaceutical and logistics services sectors. He expressed optimism that the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Preferential Trade Agreement (BSPTA), currently under negotiation, would serve as a catalyst to boost trade and investments between the two countries. The High Commissioner also underscored the importance of BIDA’s support with consistent investment-friendly policies in a safe and conducive business environment to ensure the smooth operation of existing Sri Lankan investment projects in Bangladesh. During the meeting, Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury appreciated the contributions of Sri Lankan investment projects to the development of Bangladesh's economy and the role Sri Lankan professionals played in advancing Bangladesh's corporate sector. He reassured BIDA's consistent support for the Sri Lankan investment projects currently operating in Bangladesh, as well as for upcoming initiatives. Executive Chairman Chowdhury also acknowledged the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka for prospective Bangladeshi companies. The High Commissioner proposed that BIDA organize an interactive session with Diplomatic Missions and foreign investors in Bangladesh highlighting the emerging investment opportunities together with a detailed description of policies that include tax incentives, duty exemptions, and streamlined regulatory procedures available in Bangladesh for foreign investors. The BIDA Chairman warmly welcomed the proposal.

Dharmapala Weerakkody presents Credentials as Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Bhutan

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody, who is concurrently accredited as non-resident Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Bhutan, presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan on 06 June 2024 in Thimpu. The Presentation of Credentials was held in the Grand Kuenray at Tashichhodzong in Thimpu, Bhutan. Following the Credentials ceremony, Ambassador Weerakkody had an audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan. During the audience, Ambassador Weerakkody conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe to His Majesty the King and assured Sri Lanka’s continued support and friendship to Bhutan. Ambassador Weerakkody also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to take the Sri Lanka - Bhutan bilateral partnership and cooperation to new heights through renewed initiatives. His Majesty the King congratulated Ambassador Weerakkody on his appointment and wished him success in his endeavours. His Majesty the King also highlighted reforms and new initiatives implemented in Bhutan towards its inclusive growth, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and proactive measures taken to mitigate climate change, protection of biodiversity and environment. During the discussion, the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Bhutan built on the true spirit of friendship, shared cultural and religious ties and people- to people contacts was also recalled. After the presentation of Credentials , Ambassador Weerakkody paid courtesy calls on high level dignitaries of the Royal Government of Bhutan including the Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel , Minister of Heath Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk , Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister of Education and Skills Development Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa and discussed matters of shared interest in the bilateral, regional and multilateral fora and the way forward to further deepen and strengthen the existing mutually beneficial Sri Lanka - Bhutan partnership in the fields of trade , health , education , science and technology, culture and tourism. The relevant senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan were also present during the courtesy calls.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry discusses economic cooperation with Sri Lanka High Commission

Sri Lanka High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody accompanied by Counsellor / Commerce Srimali Jayarathne held a productive meeting with the newly appointed President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Ashraf Ahmed on 24 March 2024 at the DCCI office in Dhaka. DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed appreciated the close bilateral economic cooperation between the countries and emphasized the importance of further expanding mutually beneficial partnership in the bilateral trade and investment sectors particularly in the areas of healthcare and hospitality by exchanging technical know-how etc. The DCCI President further highlighted the investment opportunities available for Sri Lanka in Bangladesh in the field of deep-sea fishing. The DCCI has also pledged its continuous support to arrange B2Bs and seminars, and organize other related activities in order to promote bilateral economic relations between the two countries. Joining the discussion, High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody highlighted the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to be signed between the two countries and said that fostering two-way trade and tourism sector cooperation are the key priorities of Sri Lanka in enhancing economic cooperation with Bangladesh. The High Commissioner pointed out that Sri Lankan products such as Spices, Virgin coconut oil, Animal feed have a significant demand in the Bangladesh markets. Additionally, he mentioned that Bangladesh is a preferred destination for Sri Lankan companies to expand their businesses through direct foreign investments. Both the High Commissioner and the DCCI President agreed to work on exchanging business delegations to further enhance bilateral economic cooperation.

High Commission of Sri Lanka Commemorates 76th Anniversary of Independence in Dhaka

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka commemorated the 76 th Anniversary of Independence on Sunday, 4 February 2024 with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh. The Ceremony held at the High Commission premises, commenced with the hoisting of the national flag of Sri Lanka followed by the national anthem and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Religious dignitaries representing Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths invoked blessings on the special occasion. Keeping in line with the tradition, the Independence Day messages of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Minister M.U.M Ali Sabry were read at the occasion. The students of the Sri Lanka School in Bangladesh performed a special cultural dance item at the event. Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody said the close and friendly bilateral relations spanning over 50 years between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have further strengthened through shared interests in the fields of trade, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. The High Commissioner highlighted the considerable potential for both countries to increase cooperation in the economic sector through renewed business initiatives. He invited the Sri Lankan community residing in Bangladesh to extend their fullest cooperation towards the ongoing process of nation-building. Following the official function, the gathering of community members was invited to a special breakfast of traditional milk rice and Sri Lankan delicacies.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody presents Credentials to the President of Bangladesh

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody presented Letters of Credence to His Excellency Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Thursday, 07 December 2023 at the Bangabhaban in Dhaka. The credentials ceremony included a Guard of Honour at the Bangabhaban, the official residence and the office of the President of Bangladesh. The Guard of Honour was followed by the presentation of credentials and a brief meeting with the President of Bangladesh. Senior officials of the President’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh were present at the credential ceremony from the Bangladeshi side. At the meeting, President Shahabuddin warmly welcomed the new High Commissioner Weerakkody and wished him well in his assignment. The President referred to the friendly and strong bilateral relations between the two countries covering multiple areas of cooperation and underscored the importance of further elevating this partnership to new heights through renewed initiatives. High Commissioner Weerakkody thanked the President Shahabuddin for his kind sentiments and conveyed to him, the greetings and best wishes of His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka which were warmly reciprocated by the President. High Commissioner Weerakkody briefed President Shahabuddin on the prevailing economic situation in Sri Lanka and highlighted that Sri Lanka is now in an economic recovery phase with the support of its international partners. He further said that Sri Lanka is committed to deepening its longstanding friendly bilateral relationship with Bangladesh into a dynamic political, trade and business partnership by diversifying the areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both the nations. High Commissioner Weerakkody joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2000 and is a career diplomat with over 23 years of experience. He has served in various capacities both at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka as well as at Sri Lanka Missions abroad. He previously served as the Minister of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra and in different diplomatic assignments at Sri Lanka Missions in Bangkok, Manila, Rome and Chennai. Prior to his appointment as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, he was the Director General of South Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka.

High Commissioner-Designate of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody assumes duties

The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the People's Republic of Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody assumed duties at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka on 29 November 2023 at a simple ceremony attended by the staff of the High Commission. Addressing the staff, High Commissioner – designate Dharmapala Weerakkody outlined the importance of further expanding the longstanding and friendly multifaceted bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka-Bangladesh into a dynamic political, trade and business partnership by diversifying the areas of cooperation. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining an efficient and effective consular service by the High Commission for the Sri Lankan nationals residing in Bangladesh. Prior to the appointment as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka as the Director General of South Asia Division. High Commissioner-designate Weerakkody joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2000. In his diplomatic career, he has served in various capacities both at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as at Sri Lanka Missions abroad. He previously served as the Minister of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Australia and in different diplomatic assignments at Sri Lanka Missions in Bangkok, Manila, Rome and Chennai. High Commissioner-designate Weerakkody holds a Bachelor of Science (Special) Degree in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Annamalai University, India. He is married and a father of two daughters.

High Commissioner Prof.Sudharshan Seneviratne said historical linkages and cultural similarities of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could be used as instruments to promote the tourism industry of the two countries. He made these remarks at a special tourism promotion briefing organized by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka for travel agents and media personnel in Bangladesh on 29 May, in collaboration with the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). The High Commissioner further emphasized that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could work together to promote two-way tourism especially related to marine archeology through collaborative exchanges of relevant institutions of both countries. The religious linkages in Buddhism will also pave the way for people to people interaction and pilgrim travel to explore each other’s countries. Bangladesh is also an important market for Sri Lanka to also promote high-end tourism relating to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and cruise tourism. Secretary General of ATAB, Abdus Salam Aref said that the Association will continue to extend further cooperation to promote Sri Lanka among Bangladeshi tourists. Both countries could jointly work to enhance and promote tourism benefitting each other. Making a comprehensive presentation on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, Director Public Relations of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Madubhani Perera briefed the gathering of the many attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer for travellers from Bangladesh. Although the numbers of visitors from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka had decreased over the past few years, Sri Lanka looks forward to increasing these numbers to around 25,000 visitors at the end of this year. Sri Lankan travel agents, presently touring Bangladesh on a special FAM tour organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board, engaged in B2B exchanges following the briefing with local travel agents.

Sri Lanka showcases trade, tourism and investment opportunities in Dhaka

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka together with the Sri Lankan expatriate community and associations organised an evening reception on 7th March 2023 at the Dhaka Sheraton to showcase trade, investment, and tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka. The event was organized in line with the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Independence, gathering an audience of diplomats, government officials, corporate sector and travel agents in Bangladesh. State Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh Mohamed Mahbub Ali graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the event, High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and invited the Bangladesh corporate sector to explore the opportunities available in Sri Lanka. In celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Independence, the Chief Guest and State Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Mohamed Mahbub Ali recalled the long-lasting friendly relations between the two countries and assured the support of Bangladesh towards further enhancement of bilateral cooperation. Traditional cultural dance items were performed by the Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation and video presentations with introductions to culture and diversity, tourism, trade and investment were showcased at the event. The participants were introduced to a variety of Sri Lankan cuisine, including traditional delicacies and sweets. The event was held with the sponsorship of SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lankan corporate organisations, the Sri Lanka Association in Bangladesh (SLAB), Sri Lanka Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLBCCI) and the support of well-wishers of the Sri Lankan community residing in Dhaka.

Travellers from Bangladesh keen to visit Sri Lanka

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines participated in the 9th Asian Tourism Fair (ATF) held on 29, 30 September, and 01 October 2022 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka. The Fair was organized with the joint collaboration of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB), and tourism magazine Parjatan Bichitra under the guidelines of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism of Bangladesh.During this three-day Tourism Fair, the Sri Lankan promotional booth was visited by over 1,000 Bangladeshi tour operators, travel agents, individual travellers and students. The visitors were keen to visit Sri Lanka as the past two years had restricted travel for many countries in the region. The High Commission organized a special cultural evening of Sri Lankan dance performances in the evening of the inaugural opening on 29 October, highlighting traditional dances and song. The tr aditional dances were performed by a student of a Sri Lankan dance school in Bangladesh.SriLankan Airlines which has been promoting a special airfare for Bangladesh travellers to Sri Lanka offered three return air tickets to Colombo for lucky winners in a daily raffle drawn each evening during the three-day fair. The Asian Tourism Fair 2022 was organized after an interval of two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions placed on travel and gatherings.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
03 October 2022

MICE Promotion Evening

High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh in collaboration with Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and SriLankan Airlines convened a MICE Promotion Evening for potential stakeholders in Dhaka on 1st September 2022.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Professor G. L. Peiris called on Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E Sheikh Hasina at her Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 17.11.2021.

The Foreign Minister of Sri Lankan Prof. Gamini Lakshman Peiris called on the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A K Abdul Momen at State Guest House Padma on 15.11.2021.