Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has urged the country’s envoys to attract investments and tourists by taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s rich history and natural beauty, a press statement by the Sri Lankan PMO said.
During a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s office, Gunawardena told nine newly appointed ambassadors and the high commissioner that the country’s diplomatic practices have undergone a major transformation and today’s priority is economic diplomacy.
He emphasised the need to strictly follow the foreign policy of peace and nonalignment, which has won the respect of the world, and to work with the Sri Lankan community in respective countries to promote Sri Lanka’s interests.
In particular, Gunawardena stressed the need to promote Buddhist tourism in Bangkok, Hanoi, Beijing, and Yangon.
The new envoys were informed they would be expected to take on a greater role in promoting economic development, investment, and skills development in Sri Lanka.
Gunawardena also expressed confidence that the new team will be successful in attracting investments and tourists to Sri Lanka and stressed the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the government, political parties, and civil society organisations on this front.