President instructs new Envoys to boost FDI, FTAs

Monday, 25 August 2025 03:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Disanayake on Friday met newly appointed Heads of Missions and said Ambassadors have a key role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s image abroad and supporting the country’s economy by promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and other trade agreements.

He urged the Envoys to serve Sri Lankans overseas fairly and address the issues of expatriates without delay, according to a statement from the Presidential Media Division.

The President said Embassies are central to generating foreign income through investment, exports, tourism, and foreign employment. He added that all foreign exchange channels essential for external stability are linked to the work of Missions.

“Furthermore, the President stressed the importance of entering into FTAs and preferential trade arrangements with foreign nations as a timely priority,” the statement added.

Disanayake also said FTAs and preferential trade arrangements should be pursued as a priority. He noted that Sri Lanka is moving towards economic stability and stressed the need for Envoys to understand the country’s present challenges.

The senior diplomats who met the President include Ambassadors-Designate S.S. Premawardhane (Indonesia), C.A.C.I. Colonne (Brazil), L.R.M.N.P.G.P.B. Kadurugamuwa (Türkiye), Ruwanthi Delpitiya (Nepal), M.K. Pathmanaathan (South Korea), W.A.K.S. De Alwis (Oman), and High Commissioner-Designate to the Maldives M.R. Hassen.