04. January 2010

Media Release

 

Foreign Ministry to focus on a people centered foreign policy in the new year

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would work towards building on a people centred foreign policy in the year 2010 while continuing to work towards consolidating on the follow up to counter terrorism measures with foreign governments. These observations were made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at a function to mark the dawn of the new year at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday 1st January 2010.

The Minister paid special tribute to former Ministers of Foreign Affairs Lakshman Kadirgamar and Ranjan Wijerathna for their contributions and sacrifices and appreciated also the contribution by all members of the Ministry and Mission staff in helping to bring the country out of a period that was dominated by the curse of terrorism. 

The Minister further said that as the country comes out of this dark era after three decades during which issues related to terrorism took centre stage in our dealings with foreign governments, the Ministry and the Missions abroad are faced with new challenges.

In speaking of the government’s direction towards a more people centered foreign policy, the Minister made special mention of the remarkable service provided to the public through consular services and appreciated the role played in this regard by Deputy Minister Hussein Bhaila and the Consular Division of the Ministry. Speaking on the role of our Missions abroad the Minister stated that all Sri Lanka Missions must be a home for Sri Lankans living in those countries without distinction, while Missions should also work towards obtaining the latest technological advancements for the benefit of the country’s development.

Secretary Foreign Affairs Romesh Jayasingha said the year 2010 is a new beginning as we come out of an era during which the country’s very existence was being challenged, and the Foreign Ministry had to face many difficult challenges due to terrorism. This new era will bring new challenges where intellectual exchanges and collaboration with foreign governments would be required. The Foreign Secretary expressed confidence that the Ministry will face these new challenges relating to trade, disinformation and allegations of human rights abuses with equal success.

A special feature of the function was the distribution of 180 gift vouchers by the Seva Vanitha Unit for the purchase of shoes for school going children of the Ministry staff. Hony President of the Seva Vanitha Deepthi Bogollagama handed out vouchers on behalf of the Seva Vanitha Unit.

The function was jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association, the Seva Vanitha Unit and the Welfare Society.