New form of diplomacy needed: MR

2 June 2011 09:30 pm

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday stressed the importance of having a new form of diplomatic service instead of the traditional diplomatic service.

“Today we need a new form of Diplomatic Service instead of the existing traditional diplomatic service; a diplomatic service that is capable of performing their duties in assisting the economic development process of the country,” he said at the Temple Trees, when awarding the credentials to 17 newly-appointed ambassadors including four High Commissioners yesterday.

He also said that officers of the diplomatic service should be well knowledgeable of the prevailing state of the country and be able to identify the things that the country needs from these countries. Also they must seek for the opportunities for jobs and availability of chances of higher education for the educated youths of the country, the President said.

Strengthening the relationships with the various influential social groups of the relevant countries and eliminating the wrong impressions and attitudes that have been created overseas by the groups linked with the LTTE our diplomats should strive to convince about the reality of the situation prevailing in our country and thereby secure the honour of the country, he added.

The 17 newly appointed-ambassadors which include four High Commissioners are:

Asitha Perera (Italy), Tissa Wijeratne (Republic of Korea), C.A.H.M. Wijeratne (Kuwait), B.G.R. Uyangoda (China), A.L.A. Aziz (Austria), Jayantha Palipana (Qatar) , M.A.K. Girihagama (Oman), M.R. Guneratne (Lebanon),  Buddhi K. Athauda (Netherlands), Sarath Kongahage (Germany), H.R.Piyasiri (Myanmar), Rtrd. General Shantha Kottegoda (Thailand), Oshadi Alahapperuma (Sweden), T. Ravindiran (Kenya), Rtrd. Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe (Australia), Kalyananda Godage (Malaysia) and Ms. Ferial Ashrof (Singapore).