Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says instead of the traditional diplomatic system, economic diplomacy has gained priority in the world.
The Premier during a discussion with newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassadors at the Temple Trees today (26) said the new Ambassadors must work towards attracting new investments, promote exports and tourism, and enhance the image of Sri Lanka as a neutral, non-aligned country that is friendly to all.
Commenting on the economic crisis and debt restructuring, the Prime Minister requested the Sri Lankan diplomats to seek investments, joint ventures and bilateral partnerships to enhance production, exports and rapid development.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to work closely with expatriates and associations to obtain investments, and increase job opportunities and development assistance.
The Prime Minister also stated that friendly nations can cooperate with Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve rapid economic recovery and to develop the agriculture, industry, information technology and tourism sectors to achieve self-sufficiency.
The newly appointed Ambassadors include, former Foreign Secretary Chitrangani Wageeswara (Australia), former Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colambage (Indonesia), Manisha Gunasekara (France), HMGRRK Mendis (Bahrain), Dr. ASU Mendis (Vietnam), Varuni Muthukumarana (Germany), Kapila Jayaweera (Lebanon), MHMN Bandara (Israel), KK Theshantha Kumarasiri (Ethiopia), Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa (Philippines), Priyangika Wijegunasekara (Jordan), B Kandeepan (Kuwait), Himali Arunathilaka (Geneva), Udaya Indraratne (UAE) and Sandi Samarasinghe (Consul General-Melbourne).
