– H.E. Disanayaka M. Jayaratne
It is indeed a pleasure to be with you today for the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC).
Let me first thank the Honorable Chairman of the Organising Committee of this conference, Mr. Daya Wettasinghe, and all committee members for their commitment and valuable support in the preparation of this event in Sri Lanka. I know that their tireless efforts made this meeting a huge success.
As you all are aware, a consul is an official appointed by a Government to reside in a foreign country and represent his or her government’s commercial interests and assist its citizens there. We have linked with the trade world, appointing around 79 honorary consuls outside the country and around 47 consuls in Sri Lanka appointed by other governments.
Unlike career consuls, honorary consuls are not directly compensated by the sending country and are not considered civil servants. Instead, they operate on a ceremonial level while
also working to promote mutually beneficial commercial, cultural and scientific relations between nations.
The goal is to keep both countries engaged with each other and in constant dialogue about new ideas to help everyone involved. Making use of the services of honorary consuls has increased in recent years. They perform many of the same functions as career consuls but are much less costly to the sending country.
Honorary consuls are generally dignitaries or persons of position in business and society in the receiving state, while having some connection to the sending state. They are recognised by the sending states as persons of influence, capable of furthering the objectives of the sending state in the receiving state. Honorary consuls work with local leaders to keep diplomatic relations open between countries. They are responsible for protecting the sending country’s interests in the host country.
As consuls representing different countries, you have a key role to play in an increasingly globalised world. On the other hand, as a citizen of Sri Lanka, your contribution to the economy of the country is invaluable.
Your advice, work and actions are of utmost importance for us to take necessary policy decisions that will meet the needs and the expectations demanded by interdependent countries. I would like to emphasise that honorary consuls are exceptional because they are officials of both the sending and the host states.
50 years have elapsed since the implementation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations in 1963. It is now time for us to evaluate the hard work done by consuls for the improvement of the economic and social condition of the world.
This conference is an opportunity for us to get informed and enrich our knowledge by listening to different opinions and understanding each other. I am hopeful that you could inform to your respective countries about the significant changes that have taken place in Sri Lanka; the investment-friendly environment here after the dawn of the peace.
I also hope that you would guide your foreign guests to travel out of Colombo. They will see the natural beauty and the recent development of our country and experience for themselves truly Sri Lankan hospitality. I am hopeful that it would help boost tourism in our country and would help abolish the misleading publicity around the world against Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, while commending your efforts in enhancing trade relations between Sri Lank and other countries, I present all my sincere regards and respect for a successful conference.
Thank you.
