Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs Ministry to temporarily close down its Embassies in Norway, Iraq L& Australia

In Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated action to temporarily close down its Embassies in the Kingdom of Norway;  in the Republic of Iraq; and the Consulate General in the Commonwealth of Australia with effect from 30 April. The move comes after a recent decision by the Cabinet of Ministers. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the decision was taken by the Government of Sri Lanka following careful deliberation.

The statement added it is part of a general restructuring of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic representation overseas, undertaken by the Foreign Ministry in the context of the current economic situation and foreign currency constraints faced by the country. The Foreign Ministry assured that it would undertake appropriate measures to address all



consular-related matters of Sri Lankan citizens residing in Norway and Iraq, and within the consular jurisdiction of Sydney, through the new accreditation and arrangement as well as through the respective Consulates of Sri Lanka located in Norway, Oslo, and Australia.

Star Cricketers, Lasith Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Wanindu Hasaranga have expressed their solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. Former Sri Lanka captain Sangakkara said that the people of his country are going through one of the toughest times imaginable. The people are not enemy. Sri Lanka is its people. Time is running out fast, the people and their future must be protected and provided for. The essence of Sri Lanka is its people, said Sangakkara.