Don’t distort image of Lanka: SL envoy

10 February 2013 12:19 pm - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha has called on Sri Lankans living abroad "to contribute towards moderating the negative narratives propagated against Sri Lanka – by clarifying genuine concerns and debunking the falsehoods".

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva said in a statement that the Ambassador made these observations when he addressed the 35th Independence Day celebrations attended by Sri Lankans living in Geneva and surrounding cities, held last week at the ‘ILO Headquarters in Geneva'.

Ambassador Aryasinha who noted that "these continue to be challenging times for Sri Lanka, as some, particularly living abroad, either mis-guided or with vested interests, continue to seek to distort the image of Sri Lanka", emphasized the need to "evolve a consensus and desist from seeking to exploit domestic issues as foreign policy issues".

He said, "recognizing that there may be differences of opinion amongst Sri Lankans on some issues, it is important for us to identify and 'bracket' issues we disagree on, as ones where we need to work harder to reconcile our disagreements internally, but at the same time not allow them to adversely affect the image of our country abroad".

Reminding that "such bracketing is something we constantly do in our daily lives - within our homes, offices and communities, where we close ranks on issues, for a higher purpose", he noted that "great nations that have succeeded in forging ahead against many odds, are those that have been able to leave domestic issues at the water’s edge".

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Comments - 23

Punchi Banda Monday, 11 February 2013 04:26 AM

Sadly we Sri Lankans have to depend on foreign media to expose the misdeeds of our country as no local media is allowed to do so. some who attempted doing it either disappeared or were made to leave the country for their own protection.

Somapala Tuesday, 12 February 2013 03:19 AM

Being the ambassodor he has all the perks to enjoy.
Why worry about the destruction done by politicians?

Curious Tuesday, 12 February 2013 12:36 AM

There is nothing left to distort. It is destroyed.

Kodithuwakkuarachchi Monday, 11 February 2013 10:50 AM

Bodu Bala Sena is distorting the image of Sri Lanka upside down, exactly at a time we need all the goodwill we can get.

garawi Monday, 11 February 2013 10:23 AM

The ambassador is correct. The truth should not be distorted. But dear Mr. Ambassador the truth is BITTER!

Nadi Monday, 11 February 2013 08:05 AM

Give us a happy tune to whistle and we will whistle it.

GOBI Monday, 11 February 2013 07:33 AM

Everyone started begging when it comes to difficult situation. This is the outcome of what you have done to your own people in the past. You deserve it in upcoming Geneva HR review

Minister Monday, 11 February 2013 06:06 AM

How can he continue his lavish lifestyle in Geneva at the expense of suffering Sri Lankans if he does not utter empty and meaningless words like this once in a way?

XYZ Monday, 11 February 2013 05:32 AM

Another stupid Ambassador he should thank the govt he represents for creating this image of Sri Lanka

Lankan Monday, 11 February 2013 05:23 AM

Oh gosh... It is you crooked Politicians who are destroying our Country... not the Citizens of Lanka... Please resign from your post immediately, and take all those no good ministers with you please... after all, it is US Citizens who is paying your salary and all perks. We are paying you to do some good, not for your ugly face and all the lies...

Go away please... Leave us Lankans to live in Peace...

Trevin Perera Monday, 11 February 2013 05:18 AM

It's the heads of SL govt and it's ministers and politicos that distort the image of SL.

BSLC Monday, 11 February 2013 04:42 AM

rape of foreigners must STOP.

edward Sunday, 10 February 2013 12:37 PM

Its not SL people dostroying image of Sri Lanka ,its politician are doing so

Lobo Monday, 11 February 2013 04:12 AM

This govt is not perfect and the country situ is far from perfect but lets sort matters within ourselves and not run to our colonial masters like cry-babies for everything. No need to suck-up to the white-man any more.

ragu Monday, 11 February 2013 04:13 AM

do you have any immage?

Malaka Silva Monday, 11 February 2013 04:08 AM

He must be living in some other planet, even a school knows that its our idiot politicians who distort the image.
Politicians can rape, murder or do anything and get away.

Alfred seneviratne Monday, 11 February 2013 03:26 AM

The should also win the confidence of the People in good governance n wipe the rampant corruption before we can speak well of the administration.

Podiman Monday, 11 February 2013 02:26 AM

"Ova denu parahata -Thama sammathehi Pihita sita "
Pls, refer and ask act on Lokopakaraya

ranil Monday, 11 February 2013 12:00 AM

Call u fellow ministers to sort out there issues ratter than telling the citizen be an role model u meser

Ranish Sunday, 10 February 2013 12:00 AM

Ravinatha should tell that to his big boss, president and his ministers & MPs. they are the ones ruining the country's image. via DM Android App

ss Sunday, 10 February 2013 01:13 PM

and do not forget the high officials and no good professionals

007 Sunday, 10 February 2013 12:56 PM

Sri Lanka's image is at rock bottom. Now it is easy to improve it. The image can not sink any further.

aroosh Sunday, 10 February 2013 12:39 PM

First tell your bosses to do it before ask the others

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Don’t distort image of Lanka: SL envoy

Comments - 23

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