Media Release

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
Dhaka
25 March 2024

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.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
04 February 2024

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 Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
10 December 2023

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 Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
29 November 2023

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka enhance cooperation in tourism sector

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.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
30 May 2023

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.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
07 March 2023

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.

Notice

This is to inform that the official email address of tis Mission has been changed to:

slhc.dhaka@mfa.gov.lk

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka presents its compliments and would like to inform that the Chancery of this Mission is re located to a new premises from 01.09.2016. For necessary correspondence you are requested to communicate as per the following address:

High Commission of  Sri Lanka-Dhaka
House No. 10
Road No. 62
Gulshan 2
Dhaka 1212.

Information Note

As per the commitments given to the people of Sri Lanka, to strengthen good governance; promote, protect and uphold human rights; foster reconciliation; and strengthen the rule of law and democracy; in the follow-up to the Presidential Election of 8 January 2015, the Government, following the Presidential Election and the Parliamentary Election of August 2015„ proposed the setting up of several mechanisms, namely,-an Office of Missing Persons-a Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Non-Recurrence Commission-a Judicial Mechanism with a Special Counsel, and-an Office of Reparations .It was also stated that these mechanisms will be evolved through a process of wide consultations involving all stakeholders, including victims

Please refer:

http://www.mfa.gov.lk/index.php/en/media/media-releases /unhrc2015/6200-slfm-hrc30

http://www.parliament.lk/uploads/documents/handsard/1443418220088147.pdf

Subsequently, a Secretariat for Coordinating Reconciliation Mechanisms (SCRM) was appointed with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the coordination of the public consultation process and the design and establishment of relevant mechanisms thereafter. The Secretariat, comes under the Prime Minister's Office, and was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on 18 December 2015. The Secretariat is headed by Secretary-General Mr. Mario Tittawella. Consultation Task Force (CTF) on Reconciliation on Mechanisms A Consultation Task force comprising of 11 civil society members was appointed thereafter, to seek the views of the public on the proposed reconciliation mechanism and any other views pertaining to reconciliation mechanisms. Composition: CIF is drawn entirely from civil society and is an independent body.

On 26 January 2016 the Prime Minister appointed the following:- Chair: Manouri Muttetuwegama; Secretary: Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu; Members: Dr. Farzana Haniffa, Prof. Sitralega MaUnaguru, Mirak Raheem, Gamin' Viyangoda, Ms. Shantha Abimanasingham'kc., Prof. Gameela Sarnarasinghe, Ms Visaka Dharmadasa, K.W. Janaranjana, Prof. Daya Somasundaram. Mandate:To consult Members of the public on the processes and mechanisms for reconciliation in Srilanka and seek suggestions for the design of I.Office of Missing Persons II.Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Non-Recurrence Commission III.Judicial Mechanism  IV.Office of Reparations

Methodology:

To gather public views in the on the process and mechanism for reconciliation.

Zonal Task Forces The CTE finalized appointment of members of the Zonal Task Forces (ZTF) at the end of May 2016. 6 to 8 LIE members selected from 15 geographical zones on basis of Gender balance Ethnic and religious representation Members' leadership roles in society Experience in working on issues related to human rights, reconciliation and peace

The ZTFs will operate in the following 15 zones

Consultation Process

ZIF are responsible for conducting consultations on the reconciliation mechanisms proposed by GOSL. They would consist of public meetings and focus group discussions (GDs) in each of the above zones. ZIFs are expected to commence public sittings in July 2016 and would submit a zonal level report to the CTF after consultations conclude' in August 2016.

The Report

The Report of the OT will be handed over to the Government at the conclusion of the consultation process. it is, expected that the Report, upon conclusion of consultations in August 2016, will be handed over in September 2016.

For more information:http://scrm.gov.lk

PUBLIC DAY

Sri Lankan High Commission in Bangladesh has taken steps to cancel the issuance of a ‘No Objection Certificate’ for Sri Lankan nationals for extending their residence visas with effect from 01 June 2016. The cancellation comes following series of deliberations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and the relevant authorities of the Government of Bangladesh as this practice has inconvenienced many a Sri Lankan employed/pursuing studies in Bangladesh. However in order to keep a continuous dialogue and engagement with the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh, the High Commission has decided to initiate a ‘ Public Day’, once a week during which the community members may meet H.E the High Commissioner and High Commission officials to discuss any matter. Further information will be circulated amongst the community soon.

09 June 2016Sri Lanka High Commission Dhaka.

09 June 2016Sri Lanka High Commission Dhaka.

09 June 2016Sri Lanka High Commission Dhaka.

09 June 2016Sri Lanka High Commission Dhaka.

VISIT OF HON.SPEAKER TO BANGLADESH

Hon. Karu Jayasuriya Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka undertook a three day visit to Bangladesh from 03 rd – 6 th June 2016. On the invitation of Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh, Hon. Speaker inaugurated the pinnacle of a Sri Lankan style stupa built with the donations of Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh in Ashulia Temple in Savar. The High Commission in Sri Lanka facilitated the visit.

During Hon.Speaker’s visit, he paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh President H.E Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in Dhaka. The Speaker was accompanied by Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dassanayake and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh H.E Yasoja Gunasekera. The two leaders had discussions on a wide range of topics concerning the two countries such as trade, increasing two way investment and people to people contact. Hon. Karu Jayasuriya apprised the President of the recent developments in Sri Lanka and informed the President that Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group will be formed in Sri Lankan Parliament on 9 June.

Hon.Speaker also called on Hon. Advocate Md. Fazle Rabbi Miah, MP, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Raushan Ershad, MP , and Hon.Saber Choudhary, Chairman of International Parliamentary Union. He also met with Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique.

During his stay, Hon. Speaker visited the National Mausoleum in Savar and paid tribute to National War Heroes of Bangladesh, paid a visit to Bangabandu Museum and visited the Central Shaheed Minar where he paid homage to the Language Movement heroes by placing a floral wreath.

06 June 2016

VESAK COMMEMORATION LECTURE

The High Commission of India and the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh jointly organized a lecture by Professor Sukomal Barua on Buddhist Culture and Civilization in South and South East Asia on 31 May 2016 at 1030 hours at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center, No.35, Road No. 24, Gulshan-1, Dhaka. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, H.E. Ms. Yasoja Gunasekera and Acting High Commissioner of India, Dr. Adarsh Swaika were present on the occasion.

Professor Sukomal Barua is the Founder and former Chairman of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Dhaka. He is also the Founder Director of the Centre for Buddhist Heritage and Culture at the University of Dhaka and President of the World Buddhist Federation of the Bangladesh Chapter.

The lecture was well attended by members of the diplomatic corps and Buddhist scholars.

Dhaka
01 June 2016

FLOOD RELIEF IN SRI LANKA

The Embassy of Sri Lanka wishes to express deep appreciation and gratitude for Sri Lankans and other well-wishers in Bangladesh for making financial contributions as well as relief materials towards the flood relief efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka in response to information circulated by the High Commission of Sri Lanka on May 22, 2016. The list of the contributors as at June 9, 2016 is appended below :

All funds and material received have been transmitted to the Ministry of Disaster Management to further strengthen the efforts of the Government and its ongoing flood relief measures and post - disaster relief operations.

The donors who are yet to make financial contributions for this purpose can continue to contact the High Commission.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka, June 9, 2016

Financial contributions
1. Employees of Univouge Garments Co.ltd
2. Employees of Universal Mens wear Pvt Ltd
3. Mr.Anil Weerakkody -News print packaging pvt Ltd
4. Mr.Harikesha Wijesekara -Royal park Ltd
5. Mr.Lalindra Yahatugoda
6. Mr.Lal Udagedara
7. Mr.Ajith De Siva & Mr.Dilip De Silva
8. Mr.Faraz Shamsudeen
9. Mrs. Reeta Dodangoda
10. Mr.Charitha De Costa
11. Employees of AB Securitas bd ltd
12. Mr.Imran
13. Mr.Anura Hewaarachchi
14. Mr.Shamim Ahmed

Flood relief material contributions
1. Royal park Residence Hotel, Bangladesh
2. American & E fird LTD, Bangladesh.( Mr.Angelo Leanage)
3. Armana Group, Bangladesh.
4. Utah Group of Company, Bangladesh.
5. APL Logistics, Bangladesh.
6. Mr.Lal Kenny Udagedara.
7. MAS Direct Brands (Mr.Mangala)
8. CTN Bangladesh (Ms.Tharanga)
9. Mr. Imran
10. Mr.Heshanth Fernando (M&S)

Sri Lanka attends ICC Conference on Global Economic recovery in Dhaka

Export Development Board of Sri Lanka led a Trade delegation from Sri Lanka to participate at the International Chamber of Commerce Conference on Global Economic Recovery which was held in Dhaka during 25-26th October 2014.

During the sidelines of the Conference, nine Sri Lankan companies included in the delegation participated in two Business Match-Making sessions with the members of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at two events on 27th October 2014. The participating companies represented printed packaging products, garment and textile accessories, IT and education, food processing and electric cable sectors. The delegation also met with the senior officials of the Board of Investment of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

During their interactions with Bangladesh entrepreneurs, the Sri Lankan business personnel expressed their keen interest to invest in the potential sectors of Bangladesh. Both sides agreed that despite sharing similar basket of export goods, there is a need to complement each other’s products than to compete for the same products.

In addition to the Chamber interactions, the Export Development Board had organized separate Meeting sessions for the 12-member delegation with individual companies in collaboration with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka High Commission in Bangladesh had also organized an interaction for the visiting delegation with the Sri Lankan entrepreneurs already established in Bangladesh on the evening of 26th October.


Interaction with the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mr. Qazi Uddin, President of FBCCI and Actg. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Mr.A.G Abeysekera and Ms.Chandani Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Export Development Board present at the event.


Meeting with the senior officials of Board of Investment of Bangladesh and the visiting Delegation