Importance of implementing Sri Lanka’s agenda abroad highlighted

(January 01, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) It is the primary duty of the Foreign Ministry and Sri Lankan Missions abroad to vigorously implement Sri Lanka’s agenda in every aspect while discharging their duties and functions. Foremost among these responsibilities is the protection of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which has been highlighted by Sri Lanka at every high level forum in the international arena. These observations were made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, when he addressed the staff of the Ministry today (01 January 2009) at the Foreign Ministry.

Speaking further, Minister Bogollagama thanked the Ministry staff for their invaluable support and cooperation in performing their duties last year, which turned out to be a highly productive year for the Foreign Ministry.

He especially highlighted the dedication and commitment of the staff belonging to all ranks, which greatly contributed to the successful holding of the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo. This year too would be equally challenging for the Ministry, since plans are underway to host several international and regional conferences, which would enable Sri Lanka’s image abroad to be further enhanced. The State visit of the Maldivian President to Sri Lanka starting tomorrow would herald the Foreign Ministry’s calendar of activities. In February, Sri Lanka will host the SAARC Council of Ministers under its Chair, and in the following month a high level Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is due to be held in Colombo.

The Foreign Minister, referring to the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, said that it could be compared favourably with the diplomatic service of other countries. He emphasized the importance for the officers to acquire and upgrade their skills and knowledge in order to represent Sri Lanka’s interests effectively and convincingly. At the same time, he underscored the need for the Foreign Service officers to have an in-depth knowledge of the realities and difficulties faced by the people especially in the rural hinterland. Hence, he has directed that Foreign Service officers should be attached to a District Secretariat Office in a rural area, prior to being posted to serve in a Mission abroad. The Minister also stated that in addition to 15 new officers to be recruited shortly to the Foreign Service, he had sought approval of the Public Service Commission to recruit a further 10 officers, in order to meet the immediate requirements of the Ministry and Missions abroad.

Minister Bogollagama also commended the social responsibility dimension of the Foreign Ministry and the overseas Missions. In this regard, he thanked all Missions which had generously contributed towards a scholarship fund that had been set up to help the two children of a staff member who had lost her life in a terrorist bomb attack on a commuter train in Dehiwala last May. Moreover, the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Ministry has been rendering yeoman service in the development of health facilities in the rural areas. He also appreciated the efficient and people friendly service that the Consular Division of the Ministry is providing to the public, following its re-organization.

Deputy Minister, Hussein A. Bhaila, who spoke earlier on the occasion, stressed the importance of officers adhering to the pledge that they took in the morning, at the start of the New Year. He also highlighted the range of services provided by Sri Lankan Missions abroad to the 1.5 million strong expatriate population.

Acting Secretary, Jayantha Palipane addressed the Ministry staff in the morning, when all staff members took the public officer’s pledged before the commencement of work on the New Year. - Sri Lanka Guardian