The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has extended the validity period Special Deposit Accounts (SDA) until 07 April 2022. SDAs can be opened as fixed deposits with Licensed Commercial Banks and National Savings Bank of Sri Lanka, by any Sri Lankan individual resident in or outside Sri Lanka, dual citizens, citizens of other states with Sri Lankan origin, non-nationals resident in or outside Sri Lanka, funds, corporate bodies, and associations incorporated/registered outside Sri Lanka and any other persons as permitted by Foreign Exchange Regulations. Banks offer SDAs attractive interest rates with additional 2 percentage points over normal foreign currency fixed deposits.

Sri Lankan expatriates in Berlin and German Friends joined the Candle Light Vigil at the premises of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin on 23rd April to pay respect to the victims of the attack on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka.

Federal Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has sent a letter to the new Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake, congratulating him to his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Over the past years our two countries have further enhanced their relations on a broad range of issues,” the Federal Foreign Minister writes. “And just this April generously hosted our regional Indian Ocean Ambassadors Conference. Together we successfully campaigned for the reintroduction of the EU trade preferences for Sri Lanka. Germany has for many years made vocational training for young people in your country a priority. We will continue to support your country’s efforts towards national reconciliation. I look forward to working with you to further the close cooperation between Germany and Sri Lanka. I wish you a sure hand and every success in your new post.”

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has written a telegram to the President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena to express his condolences on occasion of the floods and landslides, which took place last week on the shining island. “I am greatly saddened to learn that once again serious flooding in your country has claimed the lives of so many people,” the Federal President writes. “Permit me, also on behalf of my fellow Germans, to offer you my sincere condolences. Please also convey our sympathy to the families of the victims. I hope that all those who have been injured will make a swift recovery. Our hearts also go out to those who have lost their livelihoods as a result of this natural disaster. Likewise, our thoughts are with the helpers who are looking after people in the affected areas.”