The ceremonial launching of the Course was held yesterday, 7th March at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presided over by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva. Mrs. Sonali Wijeratne, Director General, Department of Commerce and Professor Matt Andrews, Senior Lecturer, Harvard University Center for International Development (HCID) were also present.
This is the first time that the HCID is offering this course, with Sri Lanka being the first country to engage with the Center to design a course catering to its specific needs.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs speaking at the event said that Sri Lanka has fallen behind other countries in the region in terms of exports and attracting FDI and that it was vital that we reinvigorate our efforts to achieve the ambitious economic targets set by the Government. In this regard, the Heads of Missions and Commercial Officers at Sri Lanka Missions abroad play a vital role as they are in a position to directly interact with foreign governments and private sector companies and to encourage them to utilize Sri Lanka’s opportunities and capabilities. The Course aims to enable diplomatic officers in Sri Lanka Missions abroad to play a more proactive role in spearheading the government’s policies pursuing exports and foreign direct investment.
The course is spread over 18 weeks and comprises action-oriented practical lessons to ensure that the officers learn while engaging in their day-to-day work. The selected participants include approximately 35-40 Government officials, including Head of Missions and Commercial Officers in 15-20 Sri Lanka Missions abroad and in Colombo.
Mrs. Sonali Wijeratne, Director General of the Department of Commerce highlighted the challenges Sri Lanka is facing in diversifying its export basket. Prof. Matt Andrews addressing the gathering cited examples of countries which were able to effectively utilize their Foreign Missions to enhance trade and investment opportunities. He added that the Course is a demanding one that would impart the skills, knowledge and abilities that would enable officers to effectively market Sri Lanka’s potential.
