Promote Lanka's image - Neomal

by Methmal SUBASINGHE

Deputy Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera stressed on the mission of the Ministry of External Affairs which is to promote, project and protect Sri Lanka's national interest globally in accordance with the foreign policy of the government and to keep the government updated with and advice on international developments and changes which affect Sri Lanka.

He also said that the External Affairs Ministry is geared to promote Sri Lanka's image globally and to attract prospective investors to invest in the North and East.

He believes that by doing so, living standards will be uplifted and the country will become an abode for international transactions. Excerpts from the interview the Deputy Minister had with the Sunday Observer.

Q: How do you look at your new portfolio as Deputy Minister of External Affairs compared to the busy time you had as Deputy Minister of Internal Trade and corporatives?

A: I am extremely contented with the new profile as the Deputy Minister of External Affairs. I regard this a precious opportunity for me to contribute to the ongoing development process of the country. I am pleased with the fresh environment and the people of the ministry. They built up a quick and friendly rapport with me and adopted to my way of doing things in no time which is of great convenience to me in carrying out my duty.

I must mention the support I get from the Minister of External Affairs- Prof. G.L. Peiris. He is well versed with this scope. And I am proud of being a deputy minister for a scholar and an academic with a vast gamut of experience.

I hardly enjoy leisure as usual. A scope like this requires 24 hours involvement and attention. I am often required to deal with international affairs. Time factor plays a vital role in this arena. I must be adopted to the global timing since time changes from country to country. My working schedule is different from that of a government servant. I do not stick to particular and confined working hours.24 hours of the day is my working hours. I am confident of physical and mental stamina in meeting deadlines and fulfilling duties with no room for shortcoming or mistake.

Since I am required to deal with the international community, my understanding of people's diversity is highly essential. Unlike dealing with local people, you are required to possess the quality of understanding when dealing with people who belong to various countries, creeds, castes, cultures and who speak various languages. You musn't mistake their gestures.

If it happens, you are an utter failure in international relations. International relations is a tough and highly susceptible area. If not handled diplomatically, it would affect the country's image. This job is challenging. I am on the go.

Q: What countries you visited on official purpose after you assumed duty as the Deputy Minister of External Affairs?

A: It was Kathmandu that I made my maiden visit to after assuming duty at the Ministry of External Affairs. I attended the SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Dialogues of Economic Trade Relations and Food Security in the region.

The dialogues were highly fruitful.

My other visit was to Mianmar which I attended on behalf of the Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris. I had to prepare for that journey on a brief notice and with hardly any preparation. That is the nature of this job.

Q: The North Indian fishermen crisis has once again emerged. How do you view this as the former Fisheries and Acquatic Resources Minister?

A: We have noticed that fishermen crisis arise normally during the election period in South India. There are ulterior motives behind the harassing and killing of Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen. We strongly feel that a third party is trying to hurt the relationship between the two countries.

There are more Indian fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary. With the aid of high-tech satellites, it is pointed out that South Indian fishermen cross their fishing limits. During my tenure at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, I came across with many a crisis of the same nature.I can guarantee that not only fishermen but Sri Lankan fisheries industry as a whole is well disciplined. We worked towards the sustainable development of the fisheries sector providing more facilities to coastal and deep sea fishing. We are scientifically and technologically well armed in fishing industry in comparison to countries in the region.

I managed to regularise differences in the fisheries sector. Before I took over the Fisheries Ministry, there were many protests for a reasonable price.

It is during my tenure that they were given a reasonable price for their harvest.

Our Tuna industry is highly profitable. One kg of Tuna is exported at a good price. Apart from that you could see a significant improvement in Inland Fisheries industry as well.

Fishermen in Sri Lanka go fishing 365 days. Sea is their bread and butter and they are well versed with legal conditions of fishing. That is to say they are disciplined. Whereas fishermen in South India are not allowed to fish 365 days due to restrictions. And they employ harmful techniques in fishing which result in damage of the fishing grounds in Indian ocean. Sri Lankan fishermen are not allowed to use trawler boats which affect detrimentally to sustainable fishing. Yet Indian fishermen still use trawler boats. This is detrimental to not only South Indian fisheries industry but also to the entire region. Therefore it is high time to train and educate, Indian fishermen on sustainable 'fishing methods' to safeguard the resources of the region.

Fishermen who fish around International Boundary communicate in same language (Tamil) and maintain close relationships.

Q: The Indian Foreign Secretary was here to discuss matters relating to fishing in the Northern seas. Is India satisfied with the sincerity shown by Sri Lanka in Indian fishermen's issue?

A: Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao's visit provides space for discussions and explanations of the problems. It also enables to discuss measures to be taken to provide security to the Mahabodhi centre in Chennai as well as for great number of pilgrims to Bodh Gaya. Mahabodhi Society nourishes the religion ties between two countries and it was attacked by a gang and two monks sustained injuries.

With regard to fihsermen's issue we cannot shed the suspicion that some forces in disguise try to harm the social and political stability of the country.

Incidents of this nature belong to this category. We are on strong position that Sri Lanka Navy is out of this problem. According to records, the Navy did not have any Naval presence at that problematic area. Some outer force is trying to damage and disrupt the goodwill of both countries which share close connections.

Both countries continue to inquire into these two incidents. The position of the Sri Lankan government in this regard has been clearly conveyed to India. Its Foreign Secretary held meetings with President Rajapaksa and Minister of External Affairs.

Q: How do you look at Indo-Lanka relations at present?

A: We have high esteem and regard for India as our parent or as a big brother. Indo-Sri Lanka relationship have been increased at present as never before. We musn't forget Indian contribution in winning the war against terrorism. Two countries enjoy bi-lateral ties. Any incident that affect to any of the country is of concern to both the countries equally.

Q: Sri Lanka had many friendly countries which backed us in the battle against terror. Have you sought their continuous support to prevent LTTE sympathisers regrouping?

A: Yes, we continue to seek their support. Sri Lanka is not isolated in the international arena. It has good ties with other countries. Sri Lanka is ever grateful to those countries which extended support to eradicate terrorism.

We cannot forget the false campaigns led by LTTE sympathizers during the final stages of war and after finishing war. Still those remnants are active and we are armed with our truthfulness to fight their false campaigns.

Q: Due to various reasons a huge number of Sri Lankans left Sri Lanka and domiciled abroad. Now the war is over and Sri Lanka is on the way to development. Has the Ministry of External Affairs taken any steps to attract them back to the mother country.

A: We highly encourage diasporic dialogues. It enables everyone to put their view points together and discuss. Sri Lankans have migrated to various other countries on various grounds. Some have left the country due to war. Some for economical benefits.

The 30-year war was the major reason for some of the Sri Lankans to leave the country. There were organised gangs of the terror outfit who engaged in illegal migration of Sri Lankan Tamils and to get thumping sums of commissions on monthly basis from those innocent civilians. Even now those people have not totally got rid of their clutches.

I invite those who left the country and settled abroad to return back to their mother country and see and feel the difference. I invite them to go and witness the development processes in the North and the East. We do not have to explain them on the present peaceful situation and the development process. "Seeing is believing".

Only once if they come to their mother country, they will feel the difference and will change their mind to come back and settle here.

Irrespective of creed or caste we invite "Sri Lankans" to come back home.

We highlight to them on the current situation of the country. After the war the government made swift and prompt move to resettle IDPs. And livelihood and living conditions are continuously being increased. Sri Lanka is the only country in the world which was able to resettle a huge number of IDPs in a shorter period. Presently the government allocates 26% of capital investment on North -East development. We were able to reconstruct destroyed buildings. It is a great achievement of the government that it was able to put this back at a short period. Especially the health and the education and irrigation sectors were given priority. It is with delight I mention that the IDP students have scored high marks at the A/L examination. One student was selected to the medical college while four students were qualified to enter Engineering faculty. Arts and commerce stream students too have performed best. These records itself prove that the quality of education in war-torn areas.

At present a lot of Sri Lankan migrants are willing to come back to Sri Lanka after witnessing the development and peaceful situation in the country. They are planning to embark on lucrative business opportunities, purchase lands for constructions. But still there are many pro-LTTE campaigns to prevent them from settling down and investing in Sri Lanka.

This is the ideal opportunity to return to the country for those who left the country. Opportunity doesn't knock at your door twice. So, I advice those migrants to use this opportunity to return and embark on lucrative business ventures.

Q: Are you confident that the Sri Lankan migrants who enjoy super lifestyle abroad are ready to come back?

A: Many migrants have already settled here. And we continue to hold dialogues with other Sri Lankans to invite them back to their mother country. We also hold talks with respective foreign countries and ambassadors and relevant authorities concerning the Sri Lankan work force abroad. We came to know that there is no equality in distribution of salaries to Sri Lankan workers. They are paid less than their native colleagues even if they are equally qualified.

Any one would agree with the fact that there is no other place as comfortable as one's home or mother country. You cannot experience the love and closeness being in a foreign land. If you are in your mother country, you share the same feelings, customs, religious practices and speak the same language. Your friends and relatives will come to rescue you at your distress. You can't be close to foreigners as you can be to your friends and relatives. We simply say "Home sweet Home".

Q: Is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs vigilant of illegal INGOs?

A: They are often being audited and followed. If we find any of them spreading falsehood or anti-social concepts which harm the sovereignty of the country, those organisations are to be got rid of?

Now the regional countries have been unified and realized the value of being together and helping each other. They are aware of the countries that fund the terror outfits in the region in the guise of ' humanitarian work. So called humanitarian organizations have been identified and wiped off. Now it is hard for any force to change people's mind.

Q: There are several active diplomats who make a worthy contribution to protect Sri Lanka's image internationally and win hearts of the international community as well as help Sri Lankan expatriates. At the same time, there are some Lankan diplomats who do nothing but wasting public funds and have comfortable time abroad. What actions have you taken to get rid of lethargic diplomats?

A: I agree with you that there are two types of diplomats. One type is really putting their strength to promote the good image of the country and see to the problems of expatriates. The other type is lethargic and do not make much effort to promote the country. We must encourage the first type and eliminate the second. We have identified diplomats of these two types. We are on the watch of the high commissions if they work according to the interest of the country. Ambassador transfers for 2011 are yet to be done in June- July period.

Q: How successful is the campaign of promoting Sri Lanka as the 'regional hub' for economic development?

A: We encourage foreign investments in Sri Lanka on great scale. What we produce in the country is not only for the people of this country. Our goal is to export those goods produced in the country to the entire world.

Q: Don't you think that the Ministry of External Affairs too could play a role in promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination through missions abroad?

A: Why not. These two are inter-related.

After the Rajapaksa government eradicated terrorism, tourism industry became one of the major foreign influx. It is true that tourists were hesitated to come to Sri Lanka during the war. Now peace prevails in the country. Government has given higher emphasis to develop tourism industry.

We have minimized the hassle in obtaining visa by introducing online visa for those tourists who are willing to choose Sri Lanka as their holiday destination. In collaboration with the Tourism Ministry, we will hold cultural campaigns abroad to promote Sri Lanka in the International level and to make Sri Lanka the most sought after tourism destination in the region.

Q: There have been many complaints from Sri Lankans working abroad, especially those who are employed in the Middle East that most of our missions play little or no role to assist them when they are in danger or helpless?

A: Everyone would agree with the fact that foreign remittances is the lifeline of Sri Lankan economy. When the country was fighting the battle against terrorism, during 2008 and 2009 it was this foreign remittances which bore the oil prices during global oil crisis.

Therefore looking after these labour force is of high importance.

We have understood the value of relationship between children and mother who work in the Middle East. Women from lower income families go as house maids to Middle East is the common practice.

Those children's emotional well being is not to be neglected. We have provided Internet facilities to village. So they can communicate with their mother using skype facility.

For nearly past 30 years these Sri Lankan labour force have been working in the Middle East. Problems occurred often. A lot of housemaids were abused, harassed, hurt and injured by their unkind masters. Some women were sexually abused and they had no option but return to country with embarrassment. They had to face a lot of social problems. These types of problems cannot be eliminated hundred percent by the embassies alone.

People are different. Some masters treat housemaids kindly while some treat them harshly.

We are planning to install satellite Television systems at President's office, and at the Ministry of External Affairs. Cameras will be fixed at the embassies abroad and the President, Minister of External Affairs, and the Deputy Minister will be personally watching what is going on in embassies abroad. Therefore no one can show a wrong picture to us. Labourers will be happy that the President and the External Affairs Ministers can see what is happening there in their very eyes.

Q: How were you able to receive foreign aides for the flood affected people?

A: When I officially visited Mianmar, I receive 10,000 USD for the flood affected people as a gesture of goodwill.

Many a country has extended helping hands and many other countries have promised to help flood affected people. They came forward to help Sri Lanka because Sri Lanka has always been friendly with them and kept international relations diplomatically.