(UTV|COLOMBO) The Valedictory Session of the Sri Lanka Foreign Policy and Economic Diplomacy Dialogue, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held at the Ministry on Friday (26 October). The participating diplomats from 23 countries received their certificates from Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam following the conclusion of the programme.
Organized as part of the Economic Diplomacy Programme (EDP) of the Foreign Ministry, and conducted in collaboration with the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) and the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI), the two-week Dialogue was attended by diplomats from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.
Earlier on Friday, the diplomats visited the Parliament and called on the Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya.
Addressing the Valedictory Session, Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam said the Sri Lanka Foreign Policy and Economic Diplomacy Dialogue 2018, organized by the Economic Affairs and Trade Division, was a high quality product of the Ministry and it showcased Sri Lanka’s potential and ability to interact with the rest of the world. Referring to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s emphasis during the UN General Assembly on the relevance of multilateralism in today’s polarised world, he said the Dialogue was Sri Lanka’s contribution to the promotion of multilateralism and friendship among countries. He also hoped that the friendships established and experiences that were shared through initiatives of this nature would contribute to economically growing together.
Additional Secretary, Economic Affairs and Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ravinatha Aryasinha said the Dialogue had advanced the understanding among the participating diplomats about Sri Lanka, as well as the challenges and opportunities relating to each other’s countries. It had also provided valuable insights to the Foreign Ministry’s Economic Diplomacy Programme, in promoting Sri Lanka through its Missions abroad. He added that the Ministry would work towards ensuring that all participants remain networked in the future as well.
The Director General of the BIDTI Ambassador Pamela J. Deen while pointing out the importance of conducting the annual Dialogue, thanked the 23 participants for the commitment they showed throughout the programme. Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, the Executive Director of the LKI highlighted the remarkable camaraderie that emanated through the Dialogue and the frankness of the participants in sharing their knowledge during the sessions.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the visiting diplomats, Ms. Peta Helen Donald of Australia said, they had the opportunity to understand first-hand about the development in Sri Lanka and that they go back to their 23 countries as Ambassadors for Sri Lanka. On behalf of all participants, she appreciated the excellent arrangements made for the programme and commended that the Dialogue was well directed towards its goals.
The two-week long programme included discussions with Sri Lanka’s key government officials, academics, scientists, and captains of the private sector. It primarily focused on Sri Lanka’s Economy. The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) supported the programme through organizing a 3- day field visit showcasing the country’s historical, cultural, economic and touristic sites, including Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, the Minneriya Nature Reserve and Passikudah. The diplomats also visited theSri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology and the University of Moratuwa, and were also the guests of the Export Development Board (EDB) at the ‘Boat Show and Boating Festival of Sri Lanka 2018’ at the Galle Yacht Marina.