Consular Corps of London laud govt’s hospitality

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

The Consular Corps of London which was on a fact finding visit to Sri Lanka will open doors for extending bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and other countries. A delegation which represented the Consular Corps of London headed by its President, the Consul General of Cyprus, George Georgio last week appreciated the overwhelming hospitality by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Tourist Board at a press briefing at Cinnamon Lakeside before their departure.

The consuls encourage investment and trade between their countries and the UK, especially tourism apart from offering assistance to the constant need for legislation of corporate documentation which includes consular assistance to nationals of foreign countries who find themselves in London.

The secretary of the corps from Belgium Olga Jerzjukova elaborating on her 20 day experience in Sri Lanka said that the country has lot of potential for investment for tourism as there are beautiful beaches, scuba diving, with different types of climate.

Sri Lankan representative of the Consular Corps at the British High Commission Chaminda Kularathna said the Consular Corps holds regular luncheons and functions with guest speakers from the police, immigration, the world of politics and even the members of Royal Family. At these occasions, consuls improve their skills from modern technology to deal with all aspects of home and foreign affairs. It is an opportunity for networking among consular colleagues from other missions.

“We are indeed happy and contented of the post-war development process and its benefits to all the communities in the island.

The government of Sri Lanka has done a remarkable job in bringing life back to the North and East. Now, we see the fact that many minorities in many parts of the world do suffer without democracy.

I would say as a democratic country, Sri Lanka is a true example to all of them. Not only that, Sri Lanka is very rich in its resources.

I’m sure opening up its Northern area to tourism would definitely bring about positive results, as in the case of its South,” Bernard Silver, the Executive Committee Member of the Consular Corps of London said. Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Development Board Ram Jauffer said that the objective of this event is to educate the people in the UK on the latest developments in the country.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to show our post-conflict achievements to a group of top diplomats from the United Kingdom,” he added.