Implementing Lanka's agenda abroad highlighted
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 yesterday at the
Foreign Ministry.
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 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 under way 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
it could be compared favourably with the diplomatic service of other
countries. He emphasised the importance for the officers to acquire and
upgrade their skills and knowledge 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 said 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, 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 died 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-organisation.
Deputy Minister Hussein A. Bhaila, 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. |