Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister receives country strategy with India from Sri Lankan envoy
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Manhinda Rajapaksa was last week presented with the Sinhala and English copies of the ‘Integrated Country Strategy for the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India 2021/2023’ by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda.
The report states, “In addition to cultural diplomacy initiatives, public diplomacy initiatives are very useful in enhancing Sri Lanka’s image in India and to strengthen people-to-people contacts. In this regard, continuous engagement with the Indian media and influential journalists of foreign media outlets based in New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai would be helpful to create a more positive image of Sri Lanka, as well as to combat any disinformation campaigns and reports inimical to Sri Lanka.”
“In the same vein, the Sri Lanka Diplomatic Representations in India must endeavour to build contacts in prominent think tanks and in the academia, with a particular focus on establishing contacts with emerging, young influencers throughout India. Establishing close contacts with emerging young influencers would contribute towards enhancing the profile of Sri Lanka in the eyes of the future decision-makers in India,” the report has added.
In addition, the Sri Lankan Missions are to endeavour to establish contacts, particularly with political researchers who write articles on Sri Lanka in these think tanks, as they reflect the thoughts of the intelligentsia and influence the political posturing of the government of the day. Further, it would be imperative to foster greater people- to-people contacts at all levels.
Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath had also participated in the event.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and India enjoy historical ties that range from shared culture, religion, trade and investments. The two countries have continuously worked towards further strengthening bilateral and trade ties. Trade ties have been strengthened by an operational free trade agreement (FTA) between Sri Lanka and India that is to be further boosted by a comprehensive agreement on economy and technology. Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning and its many trade agreements as well as concessions have increased India’s interest in the island in the fields of business, trade and investments. Indian businesses/investors could confidently explore the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka. Also, other foreign businesses/investors looking at doing business with India could look at the possibility of setting up base in Sri Lanka to engage with India. After all, Sri Lanka’s business potential is on the rise due to the island positioning itself as an emerging business destination in the South Asian region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20211021/Z_1 |