Canada Archives - Page 2 of 2

April 23, 2020

The Government of Canada has provided over CAD $56,000 (approximately 7.5 million LKR) to support Sri Lanka’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic through targeted relief to some of those most affected in vulnerable communities. The funds are being granted to the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

The National Peace Council of Sri Lanka is part of the Civil Society Committee of the Presidential Covid-19 Task Force. With an established network around the country, consisting of district level NGOs and inter-religious committees, the NPC will provide dry rations to many districts nation-wide. As the lockdown and 24-hour curfew proved to been a serious challenge to many, the NPC will assist those in dire need.

David McKinnon, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka said “I am impressed by the resolve of individuals, organizations and the various levels of government in Sri Lanka in responding to this unprecedented global crisis”. Mr McKinnon continued, “Through Canada’s support, we hope to assist the most vulnerable communities as they combat this disease and its severe economic impacts. I am glad we could work with the NPC to respond quickly to an identified need, working across communities and around the country”.

As a response to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic – and to continue its mission to build trust in society and strengthen relations between ethnic and religious communities – the NPC will engage in crisis mitigation interventions by supplying dry rations to institutions, marginalized individuals and families identified by its partner network and state officials nation-wide. This will include persons with disabilities (PWDs), female-headed households, orphanages, long-term care facilities as well as elders’ homes.

“There is a need for solidarity at this time across people, ethnicities, religions, regions and countries. We are happy to be a part of this process to look after the most affected with Canada’s assistance,” said the Executive Director of NPC, Dr. Jehan Perera.

The NPC believes that engaging in these activities will strengthen collaboration across ethnic and religious divides, and encourage future integration. As always, Canada is honoured to work with local organizations for a prosperous, inclusive and healthy Sri Lanka.

February 4, 2018

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With the policies and proclamations of the Trump White House and the Theresa May led British parliament, has the United States and the United Kingdom slipped behind Canada as the number one choice for study abroad?

“It may be news that Canada is number one, but it’s not news that Canada has been the best choice for the last several years,” says Mel Broitman, the Director of the Canadian University Application Centre. For two decades, the CUAC has been the leading organization assisting students to Canadian universities from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Recently it has begun active recruitment in Sri Lanka.

According to Broitman, Canada’s advantages of public universities of world-class quality, reasonable tuition fees, work permits, citizenship pathways for graduates and its multi-cultural, tolerant and safe environment – has always placed it as a leading choice.

“The difference today,” Broitman says, “is that the American and British governments have pushed south Asian families to seriously examine other choices. Lo and behold, many have found out that all along Canada has ranked as perhaps the best place for their sons and daughters.”

Most Sri Lankans would be shocked to learn that Canada really has only about 70 universities to choose from. Virtually every one is a public institution – meaning they receive significant annual contributions of tax dollars. Today, there are world-class degrees available in Canada for annual tuition fees under 15k USD per year. The more affordable universities are typically located in smaller Canadian cities and the cost of living is also much reduced in such centres.

Also surprising to many who don’t know about Canada – is that it rarely matters which university one attends. Canada’s commitment to social democracy means all its citizens have the right to the same level of education and healthcare, regardless of their economic situation. This advantage is extended to all foreign students. Thus for those wanting a Bachelor degree in Business, Science, Engineering or Arts – almost all Canadian campuses offer the same standard of excellence. Classes are taught by PhD professors. Canadian graduates can continue studies at the leading Masters programs of the world (many of which are in Canada), and once graduating with a Bachelor degree, an automatic three year work permit is granted. Medical insurance is included for all international students and means they get the same access to Canada’s world-class medical system.

It’s the same advantage for Masters students. Canadian universities have rigorous academic standards which have maintained top quality graduate programs. In the last decade, Canadian universities have established more course-based Masters and invited the world to apply and attend. The same pathway to Permanent Residence (PR) and Canadian citizenship is available for Masters graduates.

Of course Canada has a well established Sri Lankan community, and for families presently in Sri Lanka, it’s never been a better time to further link the two countries. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government recently announced a goal of one million new immigrants for Canada in the next three years. Mr. Ahmed Hussein, who is Trudeau’s immigration minister, has actively strategized on how to keep more foreign students who graduate from Canadian universities, to then stay and live in Canada.

Recently, the CUAC has partnered with the Asian International Academy to offer free assistance for Sri Lankan students to apply to its Canadian member universities. There are more than one hundred undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from. University representatives are now regularly visiting Sri Lanka, and for those interested in professional counseling with integrity and at no cost, they may contact 011.7555255 or email SriLanka@canada123.org. The web address is www.canada123.org.

Mel Broitman is a Director of the Canadian University Application Centre. He is a leading expert on south Asian students choosing to study in Canadian universities. A former award winning journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Broitman has been published more than one hundred times in south Asian publications.

November 10, 2017

Colombo, November 9, 2017 – A delegation from the Canadian branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is in Sri Lanka for a three day visit. The multiparty delegation’s presence will strengthen bonds with an important Commonwealth partner with which Canada has deep and longstanding, economic, social and people-to-people ties.

The delegation is led by Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, MP. She is accompanied by Mr. Matthew Jeneroux, MP, Hon. Thomas Mulcair MP, Sen. Salma Ataullahjan and Sen. Marilou McPhedran.

In welcoming the delegation, the High Commissioner of Canada, David McKinnon stated “the Government of Canada believes that the Commonwealth plays an important role in promoting and upholding its core values of respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law, which are critical for the development, prosperity and well-being of all countries. This visit will reinforce the historic ties between our two countries and their national parliaments, and allow for an exchange views on progress on peace and reconciliation, which is crucial to Sri Lanka’s future. ”

In that regard, the Chair of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Yasmin Ratansi MP, stated “I am pleased to be leading another delegation of Canadian parliamentarians to Sri Lanka. This will be my second visit in 2017 and I look forward to another opportunity to advance economic and political ties, discuss the role of the Commonwealth in today’s world, and to see first-hand the progress being made in reconciliation.

The delegation will meet with a range of senior ministers, officials, civil society leaders and the Canada-Sri Lanka business community. The delegation will also visit a Canadian-funded International Organization for Migration (IOM) project in Ratnapura, providing humanitarian and reconstruction support to those most affected by the devastating floods earlier this year.

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Canada supports communities impacted by the Covid-19 crisis in Sri Lanka

CANADA – the new Number One choice for Study Abroad

Official Visit of Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to Sri Lanka, November 9-11, 2017