The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Nicosia organised a community outreach programme for the Sri Lankan migrant community on 26 July 2026, marking the first anniversary of the Mission's establishment and providing an opportunity to raise awareness among the community on a range of consular, employment, and welfare-related matters.
The Consulate General was established in July 2025. To mark the completion of one year of operation, a comprehensive gathering comprising informative sessions and awareness programmes was organised to apprise Sri Lankan migrant workers of matters relevant to their legal stay and welfare. Cyprus remains one of the key employment destinations for Sri Lankan nationals, with approximately 10,000 Sri Lankans currently residing and working across various sectors of the economy, the majority in the domestic sector, generating a considerable inflow of foreign remittances to Sri Lanka.
The programme commenced with the launch of the Consulate General's official website, followed by an introduction to the Government of Sri Lanka's digital consular facilities. Systems such as LankaKonect, the Temporary Travel Document (TTD), the Emergency Travel Document (ETD), and e-BMD were explained in detail and demonstrated through a practical session with the direct participation of attendees.
The awareness sessions addressed emerging issues concerning legal stay, workplace-related disputes, the Consulate General's role in cases of detention and legal proceedings, employer transfer issues, repatriation, the challenges faced by families left behind, and the registration of late births, among other matters.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Niyas reviewed the Consulate General's one-year journey, outlining its achievements, the challenges encountered, and its future plans of work. Sharing his observations on bilateral relations, economic and cultural diplomacy, and the promotion of Sri Lankan employment in Cyprus, he underscored the challenges that lie ahead and the ways in which the community could support the Consulate General's work. He appealed to the community to support the sustenance and expansion of employment opportunities and encouraged members to help establish networking and connectivity between local Cypriot companies and importers and Sri Lankan exporters availing the upcoming Expo 2027.
Consul General Niyas, together with Consulate staff, conducted awareness sessions on a range of topics, followed by a question-and-answer session led by the Consul General, who responded to a wide range of concerns raised by participants. Most of the queries related to eligibility for social insurance and related benefits, the long-unrevised minimum wage for domestic aides, and the need to secure job quotas in new sectors of employment.
The event was attended by religious leaders, community leaders, representatives of youth clubs, well-wishers, and volunteers from various cities across Cyprus. Speaking at the event, community representatives welcomed the initiatives of the Government of Sri Lanka and expressed deep appreciation for the reopening of the Consulate General, commending its achievements within a short period despite limited human resources. They further acknowledged the efficient, friendly, and productive service rendered by the Consulate General, particularly its monthly special Sunday mobile services conducted in various cities across the island.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Nicosia
28 July 2026
