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FM tells new diplomats, Project image of peaceful Lanka

Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando urged new recruits to the foreign service to be fully committed to make the ministry, the engine of growth of the country making full use of prevailing peaceful environment.

"This is a time we are engaged in a process of rewriting the country's history. Sri Lanka has become one of the peaceful destinations in the world. We must put all our resources to reap maximum benefits out of this positive scene," Minister Fernando told the 17 new recruits, launching their training session at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) at the BMICH premises on Monday (06).

"In a fast changing world, Sri Lanka has no intention to getting involved in an unnecessary and devastating war. You are recruited at a very crucial time where we have to educate our international friends on the situation in Sri Lanka. The government has done its utmost to create a peaceful environment in the country where we all can tell the world that Sri Lanka is a safe destination".

"As diplomats we must tell the truth to the outside world. While fighting a deadly war, you are not in a position to justify it. The government has changed that situation and now you are in a better position to project the image of a peaceful Sri Lanka, " said the Minister.

"When I was recruited as a young attorney to the Attorney General's Department with Mr. Sarath Silva, the present Chief Justice, we were thrown into the deep end. No training was provided but we had to deal with very senior lawyers. But I find today that most of the professions provide training for their new recruits. This will prepare you for 'deep-water swimming'."

Foreign Secretary, Nihal Rodrigo told the new recruits that the missions should concentrate more on the peace process and also on the economic uplift of the country. "A diplomat should be ready to face any challenge that he may come across," he added.

BIDTI Directors, Dr. Vernon Mendis and Lona Devaraja also spoke. 

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