Diplomats from 23 countries attend SL Foreign Policy & Economic Diplomacy Dialogue

The Sri Lanka Foreign Policy and Economic Diplomacy Dialogue, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commenced on 15 October with the participation of mid-career diplomats from 23 countries from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Australasia. 

The two-week-long program is being held as part of the Economic Diplomacy Program (EDP) of the Foreign Ministry and will primarily focus on Sri Lanka’s economy with special emphasis on its emergence as a ‘Hub of the Indian Ocean’ and as a trade, investment and tourist destination, while showcasing Sri Lanka’s international brands and entrepreneurship as well as its important strides in research and innovation. It will also explore Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture, aspects of foreign policy including positions on international politics, and thematic issues such as good governance, sustainable development, the right to information, social media and cyber security. Sri Lanka’s key government officials, academics, scientists and business leaders will participate in the discussions and a three-day field visit will follow.

At the commencement of the session, the participants met Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana, who welcomed them and wished them a productive and enjoyable stay in Sri Lanka.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake, who inaugurated the dialogue, said Sri Lanka had always been a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities as well as different religions and its strategic geographical location had made it a unique international player since ancient times. Outlining the trajectory of Sri Lanka’s foreign relations and the challenges the country has faced throughout its history, he said Sri Lanka was well-positioned to be a knowledge centre for international relations. In their interactions with each other and their Sri Lankan counterparts, he encouraged the visiting diplomats to be forward-looking and to collectively seek to anticipate future trends and ways to deal with them in both the region and across the world. 

Acting Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha, addressing the diplomats, said their presence was a reflection of the importance their respective governments placed on relations with Sri Lanka. He expressed confidence that through this dialogue Sri Lanka would not only be informing them about how it was surmounting the many politico-economic and social challenges of the times, but that in turn would also be informed of the perspectives their respective countries and regions have on each of these subjects. He said that they remaining engaged with Sri Lanka, both professionally and personally, would offer tremendous support to the efforts by the country’s respective missions in or accredited to their capitals as they sought to strengthen bilateral relations.

Under the EDP, having analysed patterns of recent economic flows and the potential within each target market, the Foreign Ministry has set specific performance targets to be accomplished on exports, investment, tourism and foreign employment for each mission. Furthermore, in collaboration with the relevant line ministries and the private sector, 10 Sri Lankan missions abroad in emerging markets are being supported in carrying out targeted campaigns that will enhance Sri Lanka’s global footprint and bring tangible economic benefits to the country. Programs are being initiated to promote ICT products and services and also organic food products in Sweden, apparel, textile and footwear in South Africa, fresh and processed food in Bahrain, gems and jewellery in Turkey, spices and apparel in Brazil, wellness tourism in the UAE, inward investment from South Korea and Japan and outward investment in Myanmar and Nepal.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Grace Asirwatham and Bilateral Affairs Additional Secretary Sumith Nakandala were present at the inaugural session. The program is being conducted in collaboration with the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) and the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI). LKI’s Executive Director Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja delivered the inaugural lecture on ‘The Evolving Asian Economic Outlook and Implications for Sri Lanka’, while BIDTI Director General Pamela J. Deen and the Foreign Ministry’s International and Technical Cooperation Director Kapila Fonseka also addressed participants.  

Diplomats from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Kenya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam are attending these sessions.