Press Release - Sri Lanka Tourism
10th May 2019
So strong and resilient Sri Lanka
As Sri Lanka returns to normalcy after the tragic events of Easter Sunday that interrupted a decade of peace and prosperity in the island, Sri Lanka Tourism is illustrating what Sri Lankans are best at - moving forward. With authorities’ strategic operations carried out to contain the situation and the arrest of those responsible Sri Lanka is rapidly returning to normalcy and the industry is readying itself for what was to have been a record mid-season in what would have been a record year of growth for the tourism industry.
“Tourism is a strategically critical sector in Sri Lanka’s ever-expanding economy. It’s now the third highest revenue generator for the country and it is estimated that 500,000 individuals depend on it. From the fishermen, to the farmer to the tuk tuk driver to the king coconut seller on the roadside, they all benefit from the tourism industry. On the flip side, thousands of people are directly employed in the hospitality sector. Therefore, many Sri Lankans from various walks of life are stakeholders of the tourism industry. We have seen darker days but have always bounced back, better and stronger. Our resilience as a nation is unrivalled. This is our strength and we will show the world that Sri Lanka will once again be the top destination to visit,” explains a confident Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs, Hon. John Amaratunga.
Security first
Ensuring security and safety for everyone in Sri Lanka has been the single focus of the government of Sri Lanka. In the immediate wake of the attack the full force of Sri Lanka’s highly experienced Tri forces were deployed across the island and it is confirmed that all the suspects of this small but deadly cell have been identified and apprehended proving again that the advanced capabilities of our military power must never be underestimated. This was an important message and Sri Lanka Tourism was committed to ensuring that the entire Tourism community both at home and across the world were able to hear it. To this end a joint industry press conference was organized on the 6th of May and a full security update was provided by a military spokesperson along with updates by Kishu Gomes Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism and the Presidents of the key industry bodies THASL and SLAITO.
Sri Lanka Tourism chairman led the panel and briefed the different stakeholders on the following;
- Sri Lanka Tourism’s Emergency response protocol deployment
- Information access & dissemination
- New safety and security procedures that focus on training people, defining procedure and installing advanced security equipment
- Crisis management process & procurement of services
- Destination recovery acceleration through focussed and strategic marketing
- Aggressive promotion strategies
- Discussions on concessions and relief packages for the industry
As all Sri Lankans are reassured by the expert skills of our military forces in keeping the island safe from any future threat, so will Sri Lanka Tourism re-inspire confidence in what is Lonely Planet’s destination of the year 2019. ‘This is a journey governed by focus, clarity, maturity, experience and expertise’ asserts Gomes
Ensuring convenience and comfort amidst new security procedures
The Airport has been a primary focus in the government’s efforts to ensure complete control of the security of the island and we are grateful to Sri Lankans and visitors alike for understanding that these unprecedented incidents have resulted in some inconveniences at the Airport especially with respect to pick up and drop off. Sri Lanka Tourism is working with the Air Force and Airport authorities to minimize the inconvenience caused by these improved security procedures. In order to provide a more user-friendly and efficient experience during arrivals, the coach park at the Bandaranayke International Airport (BIA) is now open to permit holders, with 24hr prior confirmation to airport authorities. The terminal car park is now opened to park and pick passengers, with only the limitation of restrictions to the arrival lobby. A Shuttle service is still in operation to ensure convenient travel to the remote car park and a new road has been especially constructed to pick passengers at the arrival terminal. These improvements will reflect well given that Airport arrivals data indicates that we are welcoming an average of 1500-1800 daily arrivals since April 21st.
Onward and upward
Echoing again the promise it made nearly three weeks ago, Sri Lanka Tourism will not be beaten, and we will not let down the millions of Sri Lankans that depend on the industry for their daily living. This message was delivered loud and clear at ATM 2 weeks ago and reaffirmed at 5th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in San Sabastian soon after.
We welcomed the President of the UFTAA’s (United Federation of Travel Agents Association and his arrival has inspired renewed confidence in the destination. This visit comes in relation to the organization’s planned mid-year meeting set to take place in Sri Lanka this year, where representatives from over 25 countries will attend.
In 2019, 34 road shows have been planned out of which 4 already completed. Sri Lanka Tourism will as custodians of the industry move forward with the other 30 as planned.
In addition to the road shows, Sri Lanka Tourism will lead the destination marketing efforts in 62 travel fairs around the world. It has already successfully positioned Sri Lanka as the world’s premier holiday destination in 38 fairs to date and will continue to do so with renewed vigor at the balance 24 fairs scheduled in the months ahead.
While international exposure for Sri Lanka is vital it is just one strategic pillar in the destination marketing strategy. Sponsorships and pre-planned event schedules will also move forward; as such the World Surfing League will still be held in June this year, bringing in a myriad of professional surfers from all around the world. The Amateaur Golf World Cup, set for the latter half of 2019, set to bring in participants mainly from Europe and Asia, expects to impact over 1 million golf-lovers around the world and establish Sri Lanka as a golfing destination. West Asia Baseball cup 2019 is another sporting activity year-marked for July 2019. Over 600 foreign participants and their families are expected predominantly from South Asia. Moreover, given Sri Lanka’s importance as a cultural destination, the Kandy Esala Perehera planned for August is expected to bring in travelers who seek out the historic and cultural aspects of the island’s travel experience. The 71st AIESCC International congress is also to be held in Colombo from 5th – 13th July where a large number of members are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka.
We have developed a number of ways in which to help the global tourism community, industry stakeholders and global travelers alike understand that the vast majority of the island was unaffected by the attacks of Easter Sunday and that while everyone is deeply shocked by the senseless tragedy and reassured by the heightened security presence, life on the island is as it always has been; warm, generous and deeply rooted in compassion.
One such initiative was a special program aimed at foreign travel journalists; five journalists from reputable media houses in Ukraine, Malaysia and Italy visited Kandy, Colombo and the Southern Part of Sri Lanka. Similarly, Sri Lanka Tourism has moved rapidly to ensure that Sri Lanka’s ground situation is readily accessible to those planning their itinerary, as current portals may not always carry specific information that tourists may be looking for, given the surplus of incident-specific news in the last few days. In this regard, apart from the planned portal, Sri Lanka Tourism is currently hosting a number of international travel bloggers in the island with reach in over 15 countries around the globe & a combined following of over 1.5 million. The bloggers who plan to do a one-week stay in Sri Lanka, are currently traveling through the island’s most popular destinations to give their audiences a real-time look at what traveling through the greater part of Sri Lanka looks like right now. ‘There’s so much of Sri Lanka to see, experience, and enjoy. It’s unfortunate if that gets overshadowed by these isolated events says blogger Jerre Stead from USA. This being a sentiment that is voiced by a number of tourists still flying in to the island. The bloggers toured Jaffna, Dambulla, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya before arriving in Negombo and itinerary specially designed by Sri Lanka Tourism aimed to better educate and promote lesser known attractions throughout the island. the social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest and Instagram have been used by both groups extensively and in a extremely positive light to share what they experienced during their time in Sri Lanka.
In addition to bloggers coming into the island, Sri Lanka is set to participate at the international blogger conference in Italy in early June. The platform will provide maximum exposure to illustrate the Island’s experience and plans, as well as garner support to strengthen the island’s travel campaign for the coming months. It is expected that over 400 bloggers predominantly from the UK and other European countries would attend.
Global expertise and strategic recovery plans
Sri Lanka Tourism is focused on laying the right ground work for rapid recovery and is working with a team of senior international experts in destination reputation management & crisis recovery, this team have successfully worked to mitigate risk for Egypt Tourism, Lufthansa Germanwings among other famous brands. The phased out strategic plan includes 1) Channel management & rapid rebuttal 2) Scenario mapping & planning 3) Customized recovery strategies for key source markets based on global consumer research
‘We have already taken all possible steps to demonstrate that Sri Lanka’s response to the incident is effective and credible. We are now aggressively planning to reassure the world of our levels of preparedness and setting the groundwork for future reputational recovery work by reassuring tourists that all appropriate steps are being taken by the Sri Lankan Government to prevent any future incidents and ensure the continued safety of tourists within the country. As we do this we are developing a holistic reputation recovery plan based on data and research for each of the key markets, this will be followed by an intensive global marketing campaign to further accelerate the recovery process’ said Kishu Gomes Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism
Media Unit
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. (SLTPB)
No: 80, Galle Road, Colombo 03. Sri Lanka.
Tel: 0112426900 (Ext.: 243)
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Massages from Sri Lanka Tourism
http://www.sltda.lk/emergency
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Media Releases | Mon, 6 May 2019
As at Monday, 06 May 2019 1600 hours, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed is 44.
The fatalities were: one (01) from Bangladesh, six (06) from China, eleven (11) from India (10 Indian nationals and 01 Sri Lanka Passport holder with Overseas Citizen of India status), three (03) from Denmark, one (01) from Japan, one (01) from the Netherlands, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Saudi Arabia, two (02) from Spain, one (01) from Switzerland, two (02) from Turkey, six (06) from the UK, one (01) from USA, two (02) holding US and UK nationalities, one (01) holding Swiss and Dutch nationalities, one (01) holding Dutch and Sri Lankan nationalities, and two (02) holding Australian and Sri Lankan nationalities.
Human remains of 31 foreign nationals have been repatriated to date.
Additionally, 10 foreign nationals are unaccounted for at present, and could be among the unidentified victims at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
The Ministry continues to liaise with the JMO office and Diplomatic Missions concerned in the identification and repatriation of human remains.
Representatives of the relevant Sri Lanka Missions in the countries concerned attended funerals and memorial services of the victims and expressed condolences on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka. Official condolence messages were sent by the Heads of Mission to the bereaved families. All over the world, many, including political leaders and dignitaries visited Sri Lanka Missions to sign the books of condolence, expressing sympathy and solidarity with Sri Lanka at its time of grief. Sri Lankan expatriates joined interfaith religious observances including candle light vigils organized by Sri Lanka Missions in memory of those who were killed in the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
06 May 2019
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UPDATE ON FOREIGN NATIONAL CASUALTIES AT EXPLOSIONS IN SRI LANKA – 29 APRIL 2019
Media Releases | Mon, 29 Apr 2019
As at Monday, 29 April 2019 1700 hours, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed is 42.
The fatalities were: one (01) from Bangladesh, four (04) from China, eleven (11) from India, three (03) from Denmark, one (01) from Japan, one (01) from the Netherlands, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Saudi Arabia, two (02) from Spain, one (01) from Switzerland, two (02) from Turkey, six (06) from the UK, one (01) from USA, two (02) holding US and UK nationalities, one (01) holding Swiss and Dutch nationalities, one (01) holding Dutch and Sri Lankan nationalities, and two (02) holding Australian and Sri Lankan nationalities.
Human remains of 25 foreign nationals have been repatriated to date.
Additionally, 12 foreign nationals are unaccounted for at present, and could be among the unidentified victims at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
Five (05) foreign nationals injured in the attacks are receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital and private hospitals in Colombo while others have been discharged from hospital following treatment.
The Foreign Ministry continues to be in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities to identify the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.
An emergency hotline to assist families of the affected foreign nationals is operational at +94 112323015.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
29 April 2019
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Saturday April 27th, 2019
National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) to be banned in Sri Lanka
President Maithripala Sirisena, in terms of powers vested in him as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka under Emergency Regulations No. 01 of 2019, has taken steps to ban the organizations National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) in Sri Lanka.
As such, all activities of those organizations as well as their property will be seized by the government.
Steps are been taken to ban other extremist organizations operating in Sri Lanka, under Emergency Regulations.
http://www.pmdnews.lk/national-thawheed-jammath-ntj-and-jamathei-millathu-ibraheem-jmi-to-be-banned-in-sri-lanka/
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Media Releases | Fri, 26 Apr 2019
As at Friday, 26 April 2019 1800 hours, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed remained at 40.
The fatalities were: one (01) from Bangladesh, two (02) from China, eleven (11) from India, three (03) from Denmark, one (01) from Japan, one (01) from the Netherlands, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Saudi Arabia, two (02) from Spain, one (01) from Switzerland, two (02) from Turkey, six (06) from the UK, one (01) from USA, two (02) holding US and UK nationalities, one (01) holding Swiss and Dutch nationalities, one (01) holding Dutch and Sri Lankan nationalities, and two (02) holding Australian and Sri Lankan nationalities.
Human remains of 22 foreign nationals have been repatriated to date.
Additionally, 14 foreign nationals are unaccounted for at present, and could be among the unidentified victims at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
Five (05) foreign nationals injured in the attacks are receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital and private hospitals in Colombo while others have been discharged from hospital following treatment.
The Foreign Ministry continues to be in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities to identify the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.
An emergency hotline to assist families of the affected foreign nationals is operational at +94 112323015.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
26 April 2019
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Media Releases | Thu, 25 Apr 2019
As at Thursday, 25 April 2019 1800 hours, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed is 40.
The fatalities were: one (01) from Bangladesh, two (02) from China, eleven (11) from India, three (03) from Denmark, one (01) from Japan, one (01) from the Netherlands, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Saudi Arabia, two (02) from Spain, one (01) from Switzerland, two (02) from Turkey, six (06) from the UK, one (01) from USA, two (02) holding US and UK nationalities, one (01) holding Swiss and Dutch nationalities, one (01) holding Dutch and Sri Lankan nationalities, and two (02) holding Australian and Sri Lankan nationalities.
Human remains of 16 foreign nationals have been repatriated to date.
Additionally, 14 foreign nationals are unaccounted for at present, and could be among the unidentified victims at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
Five (05) foreign nationals injured in the attacks are receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital and private hospitals in Colombo while others have been discharged from hospital following treatment.
The Foreign Ministry continues to be in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities to identify the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.
An emergency hotline to assist families of the affected foreign nationals is operational at +94 112323015.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
25 April 2019
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Statement from the Sri Lanka Tourism (SLTDA & SLTPB)
Following the acts of terror that took place on Easter Sunday, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) have continued to engage with high-level government officials and tourism stakeholders in order to assess the current situation and have taken necessary steps to ensure all possible assistance is provided to tourists in need of help.
Sri Lanka Tourism is deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless violence and unreservedly condemns these dastardly acts. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to all the victims and their families, while wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured and currently receiving treatment.
In the immediate aftermath of the explosions Sri Lanka Tourism deployed trained emergency response teams and its representatives at hospitals, affected hotels and the airport to assist tourists in any way possible including hotel transfers, airline bookings, airport transfers, itinerary changes, hospital treatment, contacting their loved ones and reuniting missing family members through diplomatic channels.
In addition, a 24-hour emergency support desk has been established and can be accessed as follows;
Emergency local hotline number to assist tourists currently in Sri Lanka - 1912
Emergency hotline to assist families of affected foreign nationals (Travel Information Counter at BIA) +94 11 2252411 or +94 11 2252861 Ext. 3359
Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to assure tourists who are already in the country and unaffected by the terror attacks that the police, tourism police and security forces are jointly implementing a comprehensive security plan to ensure their safety across the island including all important tourism sites. Meanwhile a security briefing was held on 22nd April for hotel owners and operators on the new safety measures that are being rolled out and to seek their cooperation in strengthening security at hotels and resorts.
Sri Lanka Tourism would like to reassure the world that the country is open for business and all possible measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of tourists. Our world famous tourism sites, hotels, resorts and other tourist attractions will remain open as usual. There are no road closures or restrictions on movement anywhere in the island.
Sri Lanka is a proudly diverse nation which celebrates its multicultural nature. Since the end of the war a decade ago, Sri Lanka has enjoyed absolute peace and it will do everything within its power to maintain the peace that every Sri Lankan cherishes and rebuild what has been destroyed with renewed vigour. There is no place for terrorism of any kind in Sri Lanka and whoever that is responsible for the Easter Sunday violence will be hunted down and punished in the strongest possible manner.
Sri Lanka Tourism looks forward to warmly welcome all those who have planned trips to the country in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Ministry of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs
No. 78, Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Office: +94112382206
Fax: +94112382218
Mobile: +94 777 354 794
Email: ministryoftourismsl@gmail.com
Web: www.tourismmin.gov.lk | www.srilanka.travel
Emergency Alerts from Sri Lanka Tourism http://www.sltda.lk/emergency
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Media Releases | Wed, 24 Apr 2019
As at Wednesday, 24 April 2019 1900 hours, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed is 36.
The fatalities were: one (01) from Bangladesh, two (02) from China, eleven (11) from India, three (03) from Denmark, one (01) from Japan, one (01) from the Netherlands, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Saudi Arabia, one (01) from Spain, two (02) from Turkey, six (06) from the UK, one (01) from USA, two (02) holding US and UK nationalities, and two (02) holding Australian and Sri Lankan nationalities.
Human remains of 13 foreign nationals have been repatriated to date.
Additionally, 14 foreign nationals are unaccounted for at present, and could be among the unidentified victims at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
Twelve (12) foreign nationals injured in the attacks are receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital and private hospitals in Colombo while others have been discharged from hospital following treatment.
The Foreign Ministry continues to be in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities to identify the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.
An emergency hotline to assist families of the affected foreign nationals is operational at +94 112323015
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
24 April 2019
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Media Releases | Tue, 23 Apr 2019
As at Tuesday, 23rd April 2019 4.00 pm, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed is 34.
The fatalities are: one (01) from Bangladesh, two (02) from China, ten (10) from India, three (03) from Denmark, one (01) from Japan, one (01) from the Netherlands, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Saudi Arabia, one (01) from Spain, two (02) from Turkey, six (06) from the UK, two (02) holding US and UK nationalities, and two (02) holding Australian and Sri Lankan nationalities.
The French national who was reported as killed in the Ministry media release of 22nd April is a case of mistaken identity of nationality.
Additionally, 14 foreign nationals are unaccounted for at present, and could be among the unidentified victims at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
Sixteen (16) foreign nationals injured in the attacks are receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital and private hospitals in Colombo while others have been treated and discharged.
The Foreign Ministry continues to be in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities to identify the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.
An emergency hotline to assist families of the affected foreign nationals is operational at +94 112323015.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
23 April 2019
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Media Release by the President's Media Division
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Media Releases | Mon, 22 Apr 2019
As at Monday 22nd April 2019 7.00 pm, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed is 31.
The fatalities are: one (01) from Bangladesh, two (02) from China, eight (08) from India, one (01) from France, one (01) from Japan, one (01) from The Netherlands, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Saudi Arabia, one (01) from Spain, two (02) from Turkey, six (06) from the UK, two (02) holding US and UK nationalities, and two (02) holding Australian and Sri Lankan nationalities.
Additionally, 14 foreign nationals are unaccounted for at present, and could be among the unidentified victims at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
Seventeen (17) foreign nationals injured in the attacks are receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital and a private hospital in Colombo while others have been treated and discharged.
The Foreign Ministry continues to be in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities to identify the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.
An emergency hotline to assist families of the affected foreign nationals is operational at +94 112323015.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
22 April 2019
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Media Releases | Sun, 21 Apr 2019
Following the explosions that took place in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa, earlier today, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as deceased at the National Hospital in Colombo stands at eleven. The fatalities are: three (03) from India, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Turkey, three (03) from the UK, and two (02) holding US and UK nationalities.
Additionally, while nine foreign nationals are reported missing, there are twenty five unidentified bodies believed to be of foreigners at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.
Furthermore, as at 6pm today, 19 foreign nationals injured in the attacks are receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.
Directors of Negombo and Batticaloa General Hospitals and the Colombo North Teaching Hospital have informed the Foreign Ministry that no foreigners have been admitted with injuries or declared dead at their respective hospitals.
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and Tourism, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Secretary S. Hettiarachchi visited the Colombo National Hospital this afternoon where victims were receiving treatment and also the mortuary to express condolences to the bereaved families. The respective Colombo-based Heads of Mission of the countries of the deceased as well as Sri Lanka Missions overseas have been informed of the casualties.
The Foreign Ministry is in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities on the identification of the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.
An emergency hotline to assist families of the affected foreign nationals will be operational 24 hours at +94 112323015
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
21 April 2019
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MATARA REGIONAL CONSULAR OFFICE DECLARED OPEN
Media Releases | Fri, 15 Feb 2019 (MoFA)
The Matara Regional Consular Office of the Foreign Ministry was declared open today (15) jointly by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana and Minister of Finance and Mass Media Mangala Samaraweera. Several members of the Southern Provincial Council, members of local government bodies of the Matara District and senior government officials including the District Secretary of Matara and Divisional Secretaries of the Southern Province attended the opening ceremony.
Following the ceremonial opening, documents attested by the Matara Regional Consular Office using the e-DAS system were handed over to their owners by the two Ministers, as the first consular service provided by the new office.
Addressing the gathering, Foreign Minister Marapana stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take steps to open more regional offices in future particularly in the areas where a substantial number of families of migrant workers reside, enabling them to obtain consular services in their own districts, without travelling to Colombo. He appreciated the contribution of Minister Mangala Samaraweera as his predecessor towards taking the services of the Foreign Ministry to the people by first opening a Regional Consular Office in Jaffna.
With the opening of the Regional Consular Office, the general public is able to obtain consular services including attestation of birth, marriage and death certificates and other legal documents for their use abroad, assistance to family members of Sri Lankans stranded abroad, facilitation of redress and compensation claims of families of migrant workers and repatriation of human remains from abroad, among a range of services.
Minister Samaraweera thanked Minister Marapana for choosing Matara to open the Ministry’s second Regional Consular Office.
Earlier on, Acting Foreign Secretary, Ahmed A. Jawad, welcomed the Ministers, representatives of government agencies and the general public and thanked them for their support and presence. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Director General Administration of the Ministry, Aruna Fernando.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
15 February 2019
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මාතර ප්රාදේශීය කොන්සියුලර් කාර්යාලය විවෘත කෙරෙයි
විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්යාංශයේ මාතර ප්රාදේශීය කොන්සියුලර් කාර්යාලය විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්ය තිලක් මාරපන සහ මුදල් හා ජනමාධ්ය අමාත්ය මංගල සමරවීර යන මහත්වරුන් අතින් අද දින (15) විවෘත විය. දකුණු පළාත් සභාවේ මැති ඇමැතිවරු රැසක්, මාතර දිස්ත්රික්කයේ පළාත් පාලන ආයතනවල මන්ත්රීවරු සහ මාතර දිස්ත්රික් ලේකම්වරයා හා දකුණු පළාතේ ප්රාදේශීය ලේකම්වරුන් ඇතුළු රජයේ ජ්යෙෂ්ඨ නිලධාරීහූ මෙම විවෘත කිරීමේ උත්සවයට සහභාගී වූහ.
කාර්යාලය උත්සවාකාරයෙන් විවෘත කිරීමෙන් අනතුරුව ඉන් ලබා දුන් පළමු කොන්සියුලර් සේවාව සනිටුහන් කරමින් ඉලෙක්ට්රොනික ලියකියැවිලි සත්යාපන ක්රමය මඟින් සත්යාපනය කරනු ලැබූ ලියකියැවිලි ඒවායේ අයිතිකරුවන් වෙත භාරදීම අමාත්යවරුන් දෙපළ අතින් සිදු විය.
කොළඹට නොපැමිණ සිය දිස්ත්රික්කවලම සිට කොන්සියුලර් සේවාවන් ලබාගැනීමේ හැකියාව ඔවුන් හට ලබාදෙමින් විශේෂයෙන්ම සංක්රමණික සේවකයන්ගේ පවුල් විශාල සංඛ්යාවක් වාසය කරන ප්රදේශවල අනාගතයේදී තවත් ප්රාදේශීය කොන්සියුලර් කාර්යාල විවෘත කිරීමට විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්යාංශය පියවර ගන්නා බව විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්ය තිලක් මාරපන මහතා උත්සව සභාව අමතමින් පැවැසීය. පළමුව යාපනයේ ප්රාදේශීය කොන්සියුලර් කාර්යාලයක් විවෘත කරමින් විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්යාංශයේ සේවාවන් මහජනතාව වෙත රැගෙන යෑමේ කටයුත්තට සිය පූර්වගාමියා වූ අමාත්ය මංගල සමරවීර මහතා ලබා දුන් දායකත්වය අමාත්ය මාරපන මහතාගේ ඇගයීමට ලක්විය.
මෙම ප්රාදේශීය කොන්සියුලර් කාර්යාලය විවෘත වීමත් සමඟම, පුළුල් සේවා රැසක් අතර, එතෙරදී භාවිතය සඳහා උප්පැන්න සහතික, විවාහ සහතික, මරණ සහතික,අධ්යාපන සහතික සහ අනෙකුත් නෛතික ලියකියැවිලි සත්යාපනය කිරීම, විදේශයන්හි අතරමං වූ ශ්රී ලාංකිකයන්ගේ පවුල්වල සාමාජිකයන්ට සහය වීම, සංක්රමණික සේවකයන්ගේ පවුල්වල සාමාජිකයන් විසින් කරනු ලබන සහන සහ වන්දි ඉල්ලීම්වලට පහසුකම් සැපයීම මෙන්ම විදේශයන්හිදී මිය ගිය ශ්රී ලාංකිකයන්ගේ මෘත දේහ මෙරටට ගෙන්වා ගැනීම ආදී කොන්සියුලර් සේවා ලබා ගැනීමට මහජනතාවට හැකියාව ලැබී ඇත.
අමාත්යාංශයේ දෙවැනි ප්රාදේශීය කොන්සියුලර් කාර්යාලය විවෘත කිරීම සඳහා මාතර නගරය තෝරාගැනීම සම්බන්ධයෙන් අමාත්ය සමරවීර මහතා අමාත්ය මාරපන මහතාට සිය ස්තූතිය පළ කළේය.
උත්සවය ආරම්භයේදී කථා කළ විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්යාංශයේ වැඩබලන ලේකම් අහ්මඩ් ඒ. ජවාඩ් මහතා අමාත්යවරුන්, රජයේ ආයතනවල නියෝජිතයන් සහ මහජනතාව පිළිගත් අතර ඔවුන්ගේ සහයෝගය සහ පැමිණීම වෙනුවෙන් සිය ස්තූතිය පුද කළේය. විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්යාංශයේ අධ්යක්ෂ ජනරාල් (පාලන) අරුණ ප්රනාන්දු මහතා ස්තූති කථාව පැවැත්වීය.
විදේශ කටයුතු අමාත්යාංශය
කොළඹ
2019 පෙබරවාරි 15 වැනිදා
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மாத்தறை பிராந்திய கொன்சியூலர் அலுவலகம் வைபவ ரீதியாக திறந்து வைக்கப்பட்டது
வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் அமைச்சர் திலக் மாரப்பன மற்றும் நிதி மற்றும் வெகுசன ஊடக அமைச்சர் மங்கள சமரவீர ஆகியோரினால் வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் அமைச்சின் மாத்தறை பிராந்திய கொன்சியூலர் அலுவலகம் வைபவ ரீதியாக இன்று (15) திறந்து வைக்கப்பட்டது. இந்த அங்குரார்ப்பண நிகழ்வில் தென் மாகாண சபையின் பல்வேறு உறுப்பினர்கள், மாத்தறை மாவட்ட அரச நிறுவனங்களின் உறுப்பினர்கள் மற்றும் மாத்தறை மாவட்ட செயலாளர் மற்றும் தென் மாகாணத்தின் பிரதேச செயலாளர்கள் உள்ளடங்கலாக பல்வேறு சிரேஷ்ட அரச உத்தியோகத்தர்கள் கலந்து கொண்டனர்.
சம்பிரதாயபூர்வமான அங்குரார்ப்பண நிகழ்வைத் தொடர்ந்து, புதிய அலுவலகத்தின் முதலாவது கொன்சியூலர் சேவையாக, ஈ-டி.ஏ.எஸ். முறைமையை பயன்படுத்தி மாத்தறை பிராந்திய கொன்சியூலர் அலுவலகத்தினால் சான்றுறுதிப்படுத்தப்பட்ட ஆவணங்கள் அவற்றின் உரிமையாளர்களிடம் இரண்டு அமைச்சர்களினாலும் கையளிக்கப்பட்டன.
இந்த நிகழ்வில் உரையாற்றுகையில், கொழும்பிற்கு பிரயாணம் மேற்கொள்ளாமல் தங்களது சொந்த மாவட்டங்களிலேயே கொன்சியூலர் சேவைகளை பெற்றுக்கொள்வதனை இயலுமாக்கும் வகையில், புலம்பெயர்ந்த தொழிலாளர்களின் குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்கள் கணிசமாக வாழும் இடங்களில் இன்னும் அதிகமான பிராந்திய கொன்சியூலர் அலுவலகங்களை எதிர்காலத்தில் திறப்பதற்கான நடவடிக்கைகளை வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் அமைச்சு மேற்கொள்ளும் என வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் அமைச்சர் திலக் மாரப்பன தெரிவித்தார். முதலாவது பிராந்திய கொன்சியூலர் அலுவலகத்தை யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் திறந்ததன் வாயிலாக வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் அமைச்சின் சேவைகளை மக்களுக்கு வழங்கியமைக்காக தனக்கு முன்னால் பதவி வகித்த அமைச்சர் மங்கள சமரவீரவிற்கு அவர் தனது பாராட்டுக்களை தெரிவித்தார்.
இந்த பிராந்திய கொன்சியூலர் அலுவலகத்தின் வாயிலாக, வெளிநாடுகளில் பயன்படுத்திக் கொள்வதற்காக பிறப்பு, திருமண, மரணச் சான்றிதழ்கள் மற்றும் ஏனைய சட்ட ஆவணங்களை சான்றுறுதிப்படுத்தல், வெளிநாடுகளில் தடுத்து வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ள இலங்கையர்களின் குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்களுக்கு உதவுதல், புலம்பெயர்ந்த தொழிலாளர்களின் குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்கள் நிவாரணம் மற்றும் நட்டஈடுகளை பெற்றுக்கொள்வதற்கு வசதியளித்தல் மற்றும் வெளிநாட்டில் இருக்கும் மனித எச்சங்களை நாட்டிற்கு மீள கொண்டுவருதல் போன்ற பல்வேறு வகையான கொன்சியூலர் சேவைகளை பொதுமக்களால் பெற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியும்.
அமைச்சின் இரண்டாவது பிராந்திய கொன்சியூலர் அலுவலகத்தினை திறப்பதற்காக மாத்தறை மாவட்டத்தை தெரிவு செய்தமைக்காக அமைச்சர் சமரவீர தனது நன்றிகளை அமைச்சர் மாரப்பனவிற்கு தெரிவித்தார்.
நிகழ்வின் ஆரம்பத்தில் பதில் வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் செயலாளர் அஹமட் ஏ. ஜவாத் அவர்கள் நிகழ்விற்கு வருகை தந்திருந்த அமைச்சர்கள், அரச நிறுவனங்களின் பிரதிநிதிகள் மற்றும் பொதுமக்களை வரவேற்று, அவர்களின் ஆதரவிற்காக தனது நன்றிகளை தெரிவித்தார். வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் அமைச்சின் பொது நிர்வாகப் பிரிவின் பணிப்பாளர் நாயகம் அருண பெர்ணான்டோவினால் நன்றியுரை நிகழ்த்தப்பட்டது.
வெளிநாட்டு அலுவல்கள் அமைச்சு
கொழும்பு
15 பெப்ரவரி 2019
President instructs to provide immediate relief to people affected by heavy rains and floods
PMD News (FA) Sunday December 23rd, 2018
President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed relevant authorities to provide immediate relief to the people affected by the heavy rains and floods that prevailed in the Mullaitivu, Mannar and Kilinochchi District.
All necessary facilities will be provided to the people in the threatened areas until the floods subside, President Maithripala Sirisena instructed relevant authorities to release funds to the district secretaries promptly. The President has also instructed the Governor of the Northern Province, District Secretaries, the Army Commander and the Disaster Management Centers to carry out these relief programs expeditiously.
Due to the heavy rains that prevailed in the Northern Province, in the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Mannar districts experienced severe floods. As a result, spill gates were opened in several reservoirs, including Iranamadu.
The affected districts are Mullaithivu, Kilinochchi and Mannar and the Disaster Management Center has taken steps to provide relief to those affected who are living in 40 camps operating in these districts.
Source : http://www.pmdnews.lk/president-instructs-to-provide-immediate-relief-to-people-affected-by-heavy-rains-and-floods/
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