Splendid opportunities in Sri Lanka- Prof. Peiris

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris said that it is the foremost duty and obligation of trade officials who work in Sri Lankan embassies abroad to inform the world of the splendid opportunities available in Sri Lanka in the fields of investment, tourism and trade which have dawned as a result of the peace and political stability in the country.The Minister said that in an era where Sri Lanka gains a lot of international attention, to derive the maximum out of this favourable situation, the officials of our embassies should inform the world of the real situation in Sri Lanka and encourage them to invest and travel in our country.

Such endeavours carried out by these officials should be considered as one of the most valuable services rendered by them for the benefit of the country, he said.

The Minister was addressing a workshop at the Hilton Residencies in Colombo, organised by the Export Development Board and Agency of Ministry of External Affairs, Netherlands to strengthen the relations between trade officers working in Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions abroad.

The Minister further said, "We should be aware that the priorities of the country should be fundamentally changed from time to time. Sri Lanka has entered a developmental era after eradicating terrorism which lasted for nearly three decades. Officials working in Sri Lankan embassies abroad have been entrusted with a massive duty and responsibility. They should explain to the world the real situation in Sri Lanka while underlining factors such as our present goals, peace, freedom and the progress of the humanitarian efforts. What prevails in the country today is a completely different atmosphere.

Furthermore, after 25 years, the country also enjoys political stability which has never been a reality in the past. Opportunities have been created in the fields of investment, trade and tourism as never before since independence. You have the obligation of using these opportunities for the benefit of the country.

Several leaders of foreign countries will visit Sri Lanka in the near future. Such developments reflect that world attention has been drawn to Sri Lanka."