Sri Lanka to reopen its foreign missions in key locations

• Cabinet nod to open fresh Sri Lankan Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan

Recognising the strategic importance of maintaining a diplomatic presence in key regions, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the reopening of several Sri Lankan missions that were temporarily closed during the 2021/2022 period.

The missions identified for reopening include the Sri Lankan Consulate General’s Office in Nicosia, Cypress, Sri Lankan Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq and the Sri Lankan Consulate General’s Office in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Speaking at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, the Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the move aligns with the Government’s foreign affairs policy to further international relations and ensure effective representation abroad. 

“The decision to reopen these missions comes after a rigorous assessment of the evolving global landscape and the diplomatic priorities. These locations are considered pivotal for diplomatic engagement, trade relations and consular services,” he added.

Acknowledging the foreign exchange crisis the country is grappling with, the Cabinet Co-Spokesman assured that the Cabinet nod was only an in-principle approval and that the Government will reopen them in a phased-out manner.

Separately, the Cabinet also approved establishing the proposed Sri Lankan Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan.

With the founding of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka’s membership in the forum, a significant opportunity has been created for Sri Lanka to develop connections with the Central Asian area. 

The Government believes that a Sri Lankan embassy in Astana will aid in advancing tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations, as there has been a notable surge in visitors travelling from Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka.

“To further strengthen the diplomatic ties between Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka, the Government recognised it is advantageous to open an embassy from Sri Lanka in Astana,” he added.