News
FM launches e-service for copies of birth, marriage and death certificates for expat Lankans
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in partnership with the Registrar General’s Department launched the pilot project to facilitate overseas Sri Lankans to obtain certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates through Sri Lanka Missions abroad. The system provides Missions access to the e-BMD database (electronic – Birth, Marriage and Death certificate Database) of the Registrar General’s Department in Sri Lanka.
The pilot project is initially implemented through the Sri Lanka Embassies / Consulates General in Tokyo (Japan), Kuwait, Doha (Qatar), Milan (Italy), Toronto (Canada), Melbourne (Australia), and Dubai (UAE). Building upon this, the Ministry and the Department will actively work towards periodically expanding the service to all other Sri Lankan Missions and Posts abroad, ensuring an efficient consular service to the Sri Lankan community.
Certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates are a mandatory requirement for several purposes. The significant aspect of the pilot project is that it facilitates overseas Sri Lankans to obtain the required certified copies through Sri Lanka Missions overseas instead of their representatives in Sri Lanka having to do so on their behalf from the Office of the Registrar General.
Upon application, the authorised Sri Lanka Missions will issue certified copies through retrieval of such certificates from the e-BMD database.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, launched the pilot project at the Ministry in the presence of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, Secretary of the Ministry Aruni Ranaraja, Registrar General W.R.A.N.S. Wijayasinghe and senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, Registrar General’s Department, and the Ministry.
Following the launch of the project by virtually connecting with the respective Sri Lanka Missions, Minister Herath described the initiative as an important milestone in the Government’s journey towards a digital Sri Lanka. He went on to emphasise that national initiatives on digitalisation should be extended to the Sri Lankans living abroad as well adding that this project – designed and implemented within two months – showcases the government’s strong commitment and support to digitalisation of services to the public.
Secretary Aruni Ranaraja in her remarks echoed the importance of delivering efficient and effective services to the public. While observing that digital platforms are an important tool for providing services to the public, she highlighted that through this initiative, the Ministry and Missions will enhance services to the overseas Sri Lankans.
Sri Lankan expatriates residing in countries where the pilot project is now operational can apply for certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates by submitting the application forms available at the respective Missions and Posts.
News
“The Government plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing scientific education and research in Sri Lanka”. – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was the Chief Guest at the Ceremonial Induction of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science [SLAAS] held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on Tuesday [7th].
Prof. Udeni P. Nawagamuwa was appointed as the President for the year 2025 of SLAAS,
The Prime Minister in her address stated that,”As Sri Lanka’s foremost scientific body, SLAAS represents a diverse and dynamic community with over 5,000 members spanning various disciplines. SLAAS is a true testament to the richness and breadth of Sri Lanka’s scientific landscape. SLAAS consistently fosters the growth of science and technology, equipping future generations of scientists with the tools and knowledge to address both local and global challenges. As we celebrate this accomplishment, we must also recognize our challenges and focus on areas for development. A vibrant intellectual community, strong research and development infrastructure, and opportunities and mentoring for younger researchers are essential for a country’s development.
However, if we reflect on our own situation, we must acknowledge that we cannot be happy with our current status quo. Our research culture doesn’t really reward innovation and creativity. Our researchers become too instrumental, often focusing on promotion schemes rather than the love of knowledge and curiosity about the world around us. Science becomes an essential part of every child’s education. Science education and research must, while ensuring theoretical and methodological rigor, also make sure that it’s impactful. This is vital for our country.
The Government plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing scientific education and research in Sri Lanka. We cannot be satisfied with the role we are currently playing. Our government has articulated a comprehensive approach to advancing science and technology in Sri Lanka. Our policy framework, titled Quantum Leap, emphasizes the government’s pivotal role in leading science and technology initiatives.
This structure aims to ensure that Sri Lanka remains or becomes a hub of scientific discovery and technological progress. Additionally, our government has unveiled a science and technology policy framework, underscoring our dedication to prioritizing science and research as essential drivers of economic recovery and national development.”
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Harsha Sugathadasa of the Divaina Newspaper was awarded the Upali Wijewardena Award for the Best Feature writer (Sinhala) at the Journalism Awards for Excellence 2023 held yesterday (07) at the Mt Lavinia hotel.
Senior Journalist of The Sunday Island Zanita Careem was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Journalism Awards for Excellence 2023 held at the Mt Lavinia hotel on Tuesday (07) night.
Zanita has been in journalism since 1970 after graduating from the University of Peradeniya with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She began her journalistic career at the Sun Newspaper as a Parliament Reporter and joined The Island Newspaper when it was launched in 1981. At present she is the Features Editor of The Sunday Island.
Boland, Bumrah, Bavuma and Babar make gains in ICC rankings
“The Government plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing scientific education and research in Sri Lanka”. – Prime Minister
Harsha Sugathadasa Feature Writer of the year 2023
-
Features7 days agoThey, too, had a ball …Down Under
-
News5 days agoReshuffle of senior cops on the cards
-
Editorial7 days agoMessages and subtexts
-
Editorial6 days agoBribe-gate and other unsolved plots
-
News4 days agoLanka on alert as deadly HMPV outbreak spreads in China
-
Midweek Review18 hours agoUnfolding AKD security strategy
-
Business7 days agoCCPI-based headline inflation continued to remain in negative territory in December 2024
-
Editorial5 days agoSaving children from corporate greed