“Terrorism is no longer accepted as a legitimate means of political expression”

(November, 26, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) The LTTE who are branded as a terrorist organization by most of the democracies in the world will be dealt by the Foreign Service as such. We will not keep a low profile. We will counter the LTTE, as a terrorist organisation in our foreign missions and this is a clear instruction that has gone to all our missions abroad. We will join the world in the world’s efforts to counter terrorism.

by Sujeeva Nivunhella with Dr. Palitha T. B. Kohona

Q: Dr. Kohona, what was the purpose of this visit to London?

A: I came here on my way back home from a very quick visit to Eastern Europe. I went to Prague first for bi-lateral consultations with the Czech Republic.

These are consultations on an official level and I led the Sri Lankan delegation. We also negotiated a bi-lateral investment protection agreement with the Czech Republic. I then went to Zagreb. Croatia will be in the Security Council from next year and it’s a country that we have had very little contact in the past. I was using my personal contacts I made when I was in New York to create the linkages that we will find useful in the future. From there I went to Slovenia who will occupy the Presidency of the EU from January. Again, this is a country that does not have an accredited ambassador to Sri Lanka. It was considered important to develop these connections. On the way back I stopped in London almost for less than a day because I had a dinner arrangement with a number of people including members of the House of Lords. I also had a meeting with Baroness Green Grass of Nottingham in the House of Lords who is a great friend of Sri Lanka.

Q: You have assumed duties as the Foreign Secretary early this year. What have you done so far to improve the Foreign Service?

A: As part of the policy of the Sri Lanka government, we have given certain guide lines to Foreign Office staff. The Foreign Service has goals to achieve. Those goals consist of the objectives of the Government. The Foreign Service is no longer considered to be
traditional in its approach. Today the Foreign Office is required first and foremost to counter the threats to Sri Lanka from various elements including the LTTE.

The LTTE who are branded as a terrorist organization by most of the democracies in the world will be dealt by the Foreign Service as such. We will not keep a low profile. We will counter the LTTE, as a terrorist organisation in our foreign missions and this is a clear instruction that has gone to all our missions abroad. We will join the world in the world’s efforts to counter terrorism.
As you know since 9/11 the United States is now actively opposed to terrorism. Terrorism is no longer accepted as a legitimate means of political expression. We will join that approach. It is a part of us. In addition, to emphasise our efforts to counter the LTTE overseas through the Foreign Service, particularly its propaganda machine, we will emphasise the need to advance Sri Lanka’s commercial and economic interests. The Foreign Service will be used as an effective tool in advancing the commercial and economic interests of the country. We will try to develop new markets. We will try to expand our exports. We will create new opportunities for us overseas. The Foreign Service will be also active in advancing Sri Lanka’s tourism and will use the Foreign
Service as a tool to attract more tourists. Basically,to create a certain comfort level in the minds of potential tourists. We are very much concerned about, attracting foreign investments to Sri Lanka. The Foreign Service has been empowered.