Jan 14, 2019 (LBO) - Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana has called on Sri Lankan diplomats to boost the image of the country overseas through efficient and effective execution of public diplomacy, utilizing its intrinsic brands such as Buddhism, gems, tea, spices, high-end export products and the warmth of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality.
The Minister stressed the importance of portraying Sri Lanka's image overseas as a civilized nation with people full of loving kindness who feel for each other and an abundance of talent.
"That message has to be given loud and clear," he said.
He urged Sri Lankan diplomats to be innovative in this image-building exercise and in changing perceptions about Sri Lanka.
The Minister also observed that skills in public diplomacy and media relations would be extremely useful in these endeavours.
He made these remarks at the certificate awarding ceremony of the two-week long Public Diplomacy and Media Relations training programme, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its officials in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) with a view to enhancing their public diplomacy and media relations skills.
The programme was attended by the officers of the 2018 intake of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service and a group of mid-level officers serving in the Ministry.