The International Tea Day which falls on 21 May was marked for the first time in Geneva at a special event co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office, under the theme “Tea for Better Lives.” The event took place at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and brought together diplomats, UN officials, and members of the Sri Lankan community to celebrate tea’s cultural, economic, and social significance.
Director General of the UNOG Tatiana Valovaya attended as the Chief Guest of the event which also included a panel of speakers joining online from Rome and Colombo. The event was supported by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
Delivering the opening remarks, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva Dominique Burgeon elaborated the origins of the international tea day and underlined the significance of the day in recognizing the cultural, economic, and social value of tea across the world.
Director General Valovaya highlighted that tea is more than just a drink, but a fascinating part of multilateralism as many important discussions take place over a cup of tea.
Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, recounted the historical legacy of Ceylon Tea, dating back to 1852 with the arrival of British planter James Taylor. She also highlighted the Sri Lanka Tea Board’s 2025 theme: “A Sip of Heritage – A Taste of Ceylon” and centenary of the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute (TRI) while paying tribute to the TRI for providing research excellence to the industry bridging innovation, sustainability and lifestyles since 1925.
Ambassador R. G. S. Wijesekara, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the World Trade Organization (WTO) highlighted the importance of global cooperation to sustain tea’s future, highlighting its vital role in livelihoods, development, and resilience amid climate and trade challenges.
El Mamoun Amrouk, Senior Economist in the Markets and Trade Division at FAO, joining online from Rome, shared insights on how tea supports livelihoods, preserves culture, and contributes to global health.
Former Chairman of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon and CEO and Executive Director of Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, Senaka Alawattegama talked about Sri Lanka’s success story in transforming lives by empowering rural communities and women, climate resilience practices, sustainability and eco-friendly approach of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
Veteran Tea Taster and Managing Director and CEO of Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC, Anil Cooke treated the audience to a virtual, yet inspiring tea tasting session, explaining the uniqueness attached to the teas grown in different regions of the country.
The participants were thereafter invited to a curated tasting of teas from Sri Lanka’s seven agro-climatic regions, paired with Sri Lankan delicacies.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva
21 May 2025
Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media paid a courtesy call on Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization on 20 May 2025.
During the meeting the main challenges in the country's health sector especially in Primary Health Care, aging population, Non-Communicable Diseases, workforce migration and local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and WHO’s support and cooperation in addressing those challenges were discussed.
Thank you Mr. President,
I congratulate you on your election as the President of this Assembly.
Sri Lanka appreciates DG’s report, timely theme “One World for Health” which is an opportune agenda for Sri Lanka and whole Global Community.
We have faced many challenges during the past half century and recovering from recent economic turmoil with the strength of the public together with global goodwill and assistance. As a country, we appreciate the connectedness, opportunities and health benefits that united Global action enablers.
Our government policy “A thriving nation: a beautiful life” is also aligned with “One world for health”, and the need for concerted action to be back on track on the SDGs.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka had Out Patient Department visits of 3 times of its population in 2023, therefore to “leave no one behind”, we have embarked on “comprehensive primary health care reforms”. The main objective of this reform is to prevent bypassing of primary health institutions which is a challenge in health service delivery in Sri Lanka.
I stress the need to address the concerns due to health workforce migration affecting global health. During the years 2022 to 2025, 726-Consultants and 1,116- Medical Officers have gone abroad.
Sri Lanka has had to bear significant financial losses after investing to produce our own health professionals. We believe destination countries too need to be more responsible and we call for effective and invigorated implementation of the WHO code for International recruitment of Health personnel.
Achieving Sustainable Financing for Health requires increased investment in health, especially to build resilience against challenges we are presently facing: debt, disease & devaluation. Whilst we collaborate across sectors and disciplines our Government is committed to protect the nation’s health.
I look forward to the insightful deliberations of honoured delegates and welcome strengthening of One World for Health.
Ayubowan - May you live long. Thank you
Chairperson, Secretary General of Commonwealth,
Fellow Health Ministers,
Higher Officials, Invitees and,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning!
First of all, let me appreciate the selection of a vital and an important theme for all the countries, as the theme of the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers’ meeting (CHMM).
Due to the reason that Health is a fundamental human right, in order to secure an equitable future, it is essential that we invest in health. It is important that you prioritize the problems that have considerable impact on health of nations. In this time, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become one of the priorities in the world and for the Commonwealth, for which an adequate investment is needed.
Non-communicable diseases are responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide. The scenario in most of the Commonwealth countries are the same. In order to get a good impact, you need to invest in key risk factors leading to NCDs. Therefore, investing in primary and primordial prevention for NCDs, is important to reduce future burden due to NCDs, in the Commonwealth countries.
I also support subject areas such as climate change, Universal Health Coverage and to promote healthy aging. Careful planning with data driven decision making combined with sustainable financing, definitely will lead to health equity.
Recently, Sri Lanka has undergone a severe economic downturn. We think that sustainable financing for an equitable Commonwealth includes Human Resources for Health, as it has significant implication on health financing. We experience a serious brain drain of health professionals compounding burden on the health system. I trust that the health professionals, specially doctors in post graduate training in developed countries, should return to serve their motherland as colossal amounts of resources have been spent on them over the years. Therefore, it is timely that we in the Commonwealth come to a consensus among us in commonwealth.
Let us work along these years theme, accompanied by solid plan of action to make a reality for an equitable Commonwealth.
Thank you!
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka joined hands with the Permanent Mission of Thailand in organizing the celebration of the International Day of Vesak at the Palais des Nations, where the UN Office is located in Geneva, on 14 May 2025, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Foundation in Geneva. This year marks the third such observance jointly organized by Sri Lanka and Thailand. Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director General of the UN Office in Geneva graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The significant role played by Sri Lanka under the leadership of then Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, in gaining international recognition for the Day of Vesak in 1999 was highlighted by Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, in her welcome remarks.
A draft resolution titled ‘International recognition of the Day of Vesak at United Nations Headquarters and other United Nations offices’ was tabled by late Minister Kadirgamar at the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of 10 countries namely; Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The resolution was co-sponsored by a cross regional group of 34 countries while acknowledging the significance of the teaching and practice of Buddhism and its continued contribution to spirituality and humanity for over two and a half millennia.
The Co-host of the event, Ambassador Usana Berananda, Permanent Representative of Thailand, and Chief Guest, Director General Valovaya, also delivered remarks on the occasion.
Venerable Phramaha Bhatsakorn Piyobhaso, Vice Chairman of the Council of Thai Buddhist Monks of the United Kingdom and Ireland addressed the gathering focusing on ‘Buddhism and Environment’ and conveyed the message of the Buddha to live in harmony with all living beings. Venerable Phra Sander Khemadhammo from Dhammakaya Temple in the Netherlands and representative of the Union of Thai Sangha in Europe in his address highlighted the historical links between Sri Lanka and Thailand deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism.
Special messages were also delivered by the Ambassadors of Bhutan, India, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam and representatives of China, Singapore, Republic of Korea and Japan on the occasion.
Among the nearly 300 guests that participated were the Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Panama, Spain, Uganda and representatives from Pakistan, Mozambique, France, Portugal, Andorra, UK, Lebanon and many others. Sri Lankan and Thai Buddhist communities living in Switzerland also participated.
The formal programme was followed by a short religious part that included a guided meditation conducted by the Members of the Maha Sangha and chanting of the Karaniya Metta Sutta invoking blessings on all. The event concluded with Sri Lankan and Thai refreshments.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva
14 May 2025
The Government of Sri Lanka maintains that the allegation of genocide during the final phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka is unsubstantiated by any credible authority, either nationally or internationally, and is based on misleading information. Sri Lanka firmly rejects this false narrative and believes it has been propagated primarily for electoral gains within Canada.
It is worth highlighting that in April 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada officially confirmed that the Government of Canada has not made any finding of genocide in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Canada designated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization in 2006 and reaffirmed this designation in June 2024.
The Government of Sri Lanka has repeatedly expressed its strong objections to the construction of a so-called Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada. It has consistently urged the Federal Government of Canada to intervene and prevent this regrettable initiative by the Brampton City Council.
Sri Lanka views this development as offensive to the broader Sri Lankan and Canadian communities. It strongly believes that the propagation of such unfounded allegations and the construction of monuments based on fabrications not only mislead the public but also hinder Sri Lanka’s genuine efforts toward reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace among all communities.
In this regard, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner today to reiterate the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
14 May 2025
Sri Lanka’s participation at the hybrid side-event titled "Accelerating the transition from HHPs to biopesticides and agroecological alternatives" - 2 May 2025 held during the Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in 2025 was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Mr. K.R. Uduwawala and included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Agriculture and Central Environmental Authority.
Photo Credit: BRS Convention/Kiara Worth
- Statement delivered by Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Mr. K.R. Uduwawala at the High-Level Segment of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, under the Sub Theme on Pollution
- Training on Disarmament for Sri Lanka Foreign Service Officers
- Sri Lanka co-hosted a side event at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin, Germany