Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Wednesday, 20 December 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry and Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka launch the official website of Office for Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs https://oosla.lk/
Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka on Monday countered the negative perception associated with the term ‘diaspora’ in Sri Lanka.
He emphasised that being part of the diaspora does not make someone an extremist or anti-Sri Lankan and any Sri Lankan living in another country, regardless of ethnicity or religion, is part of the diaspora.
Ratnayaka acknowledged historical events in Sri Lanka that have created distance between the country and its people, especially those living abroad. He highlighted the challenges faced by those in the diaspora who want to contribute to the country’s development but encounter bureaucratic obstacles.
These remarks were made by Ratnayaka while addressing the International Migrant Day at the President’s Office on Monday. He emphasised the importance of engaging the diaspora and creating an environment that encourages their return and investment.
Ratnayake inaugurated the official website, https://oosla.lk/ for the Office of Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor. Lakshman Samaranayake. In recognition of the exemplary services rendered by the Office of Sri Lankan Affairs Abroad, Ratnayake, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, presented Professor. Samaranayake with a commemorative memento as a token of appreciation.
Ratnayaka further said that the establishment of the Office for Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs (OOSLA) aligns with the broader economic reform process in Sri Lanka. While emphasising the need for transparency, he underscored the importance of offering a level playing field and attractiveness to make Sri Lanka an appealing place for investment opportunities, attracting Sri Lankans living abroad to invest in the country.
The concept behind OOSLA was to create an overarching office that engages with the entire Sri Lankan diaspora. The aim is to assist Sri Lankans living abroad with issues like dual citizenship, passport renewals and obtaining information about their relations, with the broader goal of bringing together all Sri Lankans to contribute to the country’s development.
Ratnayaka acknowledged the challenges faced by Sri Lanka, including economic difficulties, and expressed optimism about the future, anticipating rapid growth by the end of 2024 or early 2025. He emphasised the need for collective effort and clear communication to ensure citizens understand the Government’s commitment to improving their lives.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, addressing the gathering, emphasised the significance of International Migrants Day, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with migration. The Minister underscored the need for Sri Lanka to proactively engage with its diaspora, including both permanent migrants and temporary workers abroad.
The Foreign Minister acknowledged Sri Lanka’s historical ties with migration, noting the shift from inward migration to the current trend of outward migration. He emphasised the challenges faced by those who have migrated and expressed the importance of creating conditions that encourage them to return to their homeland.
Sabry stressed the need to recognise the contributions of Sri Lankan migrants, both permanent residents and temporary workers. He highlighted the importance of providing them with respect, dignity and a sense of belonging, in line with the principles outlined in the country’s constitution.
He discussed the establishment of the OOSLA as a significant step towards addressing the concerns and needs of the diaspora.
Minister Sabry announced the approval of a new law establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with significant powers, including the ability to provide reparations, locate missing persons and initiate prosecutions. He sees this as a positive step towards creating a conducive environment for fair living in the country.
He highlighted efforts to modernise services for expatriates, mentioning the aim to make all services, including immigration-related processes, accessible online. This move is intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate smoother interactions for Sri Lankans living abroad.
Addressing the gathering OOSLA Director General V. Krishnamurthy, highlighted that in accordance with the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the office commenced its operations in January 2023. He said that 18 December holds particular significance as it marks the opportune day to introduce the institution to the global Sri Lankan community.
Krishnamurthy further noted that the diaspora, numbering close to 3 million Sri Lankans, who have relocated abroad for diverse reasons, has significantly influenced and contributed to the country’s economy. This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact and positive role played by this expatriate community during the preceding period.
The event garnered participation from a distinguished assembly, including Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Secretaries of Ministries representing foreign countries. Additionally, a substantial number of Sri Lankans residing abroad engaged in the proceedings through online technology.
