PM says Govt. addressing challenges through clear policy framework

Honorary Consuls from South Asian and other delegates have a close conversation with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday at the inauguration of the FICAC South Asia Regional Conference in Colombo

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday declared that the Government is working closely with international partners to position Sri Lanka as a credible country for sustainable, inclusive development, investments, and tourism in the South Asia region.

She made this assertion speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) 2026 in Colombo.

The three-day conference is hosted by the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka under the aegis of the FICAC.

Over 60 diplomats, business leaders, and policymakers from the region have gathered in Colombo to strengthen regional cooperation and explore new avenues for sustainable development across South Asia.

In her remarks, Premier Dr. Amarasuriya noted that the selection of Sri Lanka as the venue for this conference holds particular significance at a time when the Government is working closely with international partners to position Sri Lanka as a credible and reliable country in the region.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to Sri Lanka’s vulnerability against climate change, citing the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and commended the support extended to Sri Lanka by international partners. She emphasised that climate change requires global cooperation, shared responsibility, and innovative solutions.

Dr. Amarasuriya further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve public sector efficiency, transparency, and accountability, promote national unity and respect for diversity, and advance digital governance to enhance service delivery and public trust.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented with a memento by FICAC President Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos (right) and Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka President Mahen Kariyawasan at the inauguration of the three-day FICAC South Asia Regional Conference in Colombo yesterday - See more pix inside

“The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges through a clear policy framework. Our focus is on economic stability through fiscal discipline, sustainable debt management, and reforms that enhance productivity and growth. At the same time, we are strengthening social welfare programs to support the most vulnerable,” she emphasised. 

Guest of Honour Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said that the Government is committed to recognising Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism hotspot in the global platform while positioning Sri Lanka as a stable and reliable international partner.

Organised under the auspices of the FICAC, the global body supporting consular practice and international cooperation, the conference provides a platform for policy dialogue, business matchmaking, and capacity-building that directly supports Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and foreign-relations goals. 

“Honorary consuls are bridge-builders — they translate diplomatic intent into real partnerships on the ground,” the conference program noted. The FICAC and national consular associations are working together to professionalise the role, expand training, and create clearer channels for private-public cooperation.

Today, delegates will get updated on Sri Lanka via several useful presentations. Among them are ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ by Senior Additional Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka G.M.R.D Aponsu, ‘Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs)’ by Board of Investment (BOI) Director General Renuka Weerakone, ‘Current Outlook and Future Direction of the Economy’ by Central Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, and ‘Exports from Sri Lanka’ by Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe.