Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

High Commissioner Harsha Kumara Navaratne ceremoniously handed over the Commission of Appointment of Honorary Consul for the province of Manitoba to Mohamed Ismath, on 25^th March 2024, at the office of the High Commission in Ottawa.

Honorary Consul Ismath is currently a Board of Director  of Tennis Canada. Tennis Canada is a non- profit national sports association with a mission to lead the growth of tennis in Canada. He is a retired accountant and is an old boy of Royal College, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Taking into account Mr Ismath’s background, the High Commissioner explored possibilities of promoting tourism through sports collaboration apart from routine consular assistance and   highlighted the importance of obtaining training opportunities for Sri Lankan tennis players in Canada. The High Commissioner also emphasized the need to establish Business Councils in each Canadian Province to facilitate trade and tourism between the two countries.

The  Honorary Consul  informed that there are  over 5000 Sri Lankans  living in Manitoba  and  this also  includes a  vibrant seniors group already engaged  in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist  destination.  He  informed  that  he will be  working  closely  with all  associations  and    look forward  to network  with  Sri Lankan  Honorary  Consuls in other  provinces  to   synergize  the  efforts  of  the High Commission in  going forward.  Deputy High Commissioner Anzul Jhan and Minister Counsellor Lashinka Dammullage were part of the discussions   with the Honorary Consul.

The office of the Honorary Consul is based in 234 Portsmouth Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 2E3, Canada and he could be reached on +1-(204) 227-4531 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

2^nd April 2024

Notice to the Public

Kindly note that in terms of section 102 (1) of Inland Revenue Act (IRA) that every person chargeable with Income Tax shall obtain the registration with the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue (CGIR) via website: http://www.ird.gov.lk/. Accordingly, any Sri Lankan expatriate, a dual citizen or a permanent citizen having a taxable income as per provisions of IRA is mandatory to register under the said section.

Further to that, the Minister in terms of section 102(3) of IRA may specify the additional classes of persons who are required to get the registration under IRA irrespective of the chargeability there under.

The gazette notification bearing No.2334/21 dated 31/05/2023 issued in line with the above provision specifies such additional categories including those who are at the age of 18 years as at the date of 31/12/2023 and attaining such age on or after the date of 01/01/2024.

The said gazette notification is not applicable in the case of Sri Lankan non-residents. Therefore, any Sri Lankan non-resident person is not required to get the registration as above.

However, the government budget for the year 2024 has made proposals to mandate the TIN requirement for the purposes of following activities within Sri Lanka. Therefore, any non-resident person intending to perform such an activity is advised to be registered with the CGIR.

·         Opening a current Account

·         Obtaining approval for a building plan

·         Registering a motor vehicle, renewing the revenue license

·         Registering title deeds on lands.

More information could be accessed via: http://www.ird.gov.lk/en/Lists/Latest%20News%20%20Notices/Attachments/555/CMN27122023_E%20-%20Registration.pdf

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa