Sri Lanka showcases investment, trade and tourism potential at FICAC South Asia meet

Pix by Kithsiri De Mel 

The Federation Internationale des Corps et Associations Consulaires (FICAC) is also known as the World Federation of Consuls. The Federation is a non-profit organisation, and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. 

FICAC was recognised as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) by the United Nations in 1993. It is also recognised as an NGO by the Organisation of American States (OAS) and by the European Union (EU). 

• Sri Lanka is working with international partners to position itself as a credible regional and global hub for peace, partnerships and shared prosperity: Dr Harini Amarasuriya
• Hosting FICAC South Asia meetaffirms Sri Lanka’s growing relevance as a destination for international engagements and MICE tourism: Vijitha Herath
• Consuls play a vital role as bridges between nations, promoting peace, prosperity, cultural exchange and economic cooperation: FICAC President
• Sri Lanka values the role of honorary consuls in promoting trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people ties: Association of Consular Corps in Sri Lanka

By Shannine Daniel

The government is working tirelessly with international partners to position Sri Lanka as a credible regional and global hub that fosters peace, partnerships and shared prosperity, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said recently.

She made this statement at the Fédération Internationale des Corps et Associations Consulaires (FICAC) South Asia Conference 2026, which was held in Colombo from February 1–4.

Organised under the theme “Building Bridges through Diplomacy, Trade, Investment and Sustainable Partnerships,” the conference brought together honorary consuls and senior representatives such as diplomats, business leaders, and policymakers from across South Asia, Europe, East Asia, and other regions.

The main intentions of the FICAC South Asia Regional Conference was to strengthen regional cooperation and explore new avenues for sustainable development across South Asia, by reinforcing the role of consular networks and advancing international cooperation and economic connectivity.

“Sri Lanka is honoured to host this conference at an important time in its history after the severe economic crisis of 2022,marked by depleted foreign reserves, extreme debt and significant hardships faced by our people,” Amarasuriya said. 

“Under the current government, prudent fiscal management, debt restructuring, and disciplined reforms have brought Sri Lanka into a place of relative stability. Inflation has eased, reserves have strengthened and confidence is returning allowing the shift to focus from stabilisation to sustainable an inclusive growth,” she added.

However, the Prime Minister also noted that Sri Lanka also remains highly vulnerable to climate change, citing the recent impact of tropical cyclone Ditwah.

She said the cyclone affected nearly two million people through floods, landslides, infrastructure damage and agricultural losses, and underscored the scale of climate crisis.

Under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative, the government is mobilising domestic and international support to restore essential services, rebuild resilient infrastructure, and safeguard livelihoods, Amarasuriya told the audience.

“However, climate change is a challenge no nation, especially small island nations such as ours can tackle alone. It demands global cooperation, shared responsibility and innovative solutions,” she admitted. 

“Programmes such as these which bring together diverse international actors are vital for shaping this collective response,” she added.

The FICAC South Asia Conference 2026 focused on international diplomacy, trade partnerships, investment opportunities and cultural exchange, to foster diplomatic relations between South Asian nations and other countries, create sustainable cross-border trade agreements and business opportunities, explore investment prospects in South Asian emerging markets, and celebrate the rich region’s rich cultural heritage.

Moreover, the evolving role of honorary consuls as facilitators of bilateral trade, promoters of investment, and catalysts for sustainable development, was also highlighted with special emphasis given to public–private partnerships, cross-border business collaboration, tourism development, and the strengthening of people-to-people links.

“Through structured dialogue with government agencies and private-sector stakeholders, delegates will gain valuable insights into Sri Lanka’s economic direction and regional opportunities,” he opined.

“We firmly believe that dialogue of this nature will translate into tangible outcomes that benefit our countries and our people,” he added.

FICAC President Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath and Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra were also present at the conference.

“Sri Lanka is positioned at the historic position of maritime crossroads and is blessed with rich cultural heritage. It provides the perfect setting for strengthening our bonds and advancing our mission,” Margaropoulos said. 

Margaropoulos said the world is facing unprecedented challenges and multiplecrises, with profound and rapid changes also taking place in the global landscape, and called on consuls to contribute meaningfully to the world of peace, prosperity and mutual respect, through joint efforts. 

“As consuls we serve as vital bridges between nations and citizens. We are diplomats in action, advocating for the welfare of our nations and communities, nurturing cultural exchange, promoting economic partnerships and facilitating cooperation across borders,” he said. 

“We have a exceptional opportunity to represent our diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives, while working together to address challenges such as climate change, poverty and economic inequality and conflict resolution,” he added.

Margaropoulos also noted that this regional conference offered a significant opportunity for consuls and other diplomats to connect, share knowledge, exchange best practices and build a foundation for lasting partnerships and deeper cooperation among the nations of South Asia and beyond. 

In line with these comments, Minister Herath saidthe conference had also drawn accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders who were successful in their various fields. 

“We strongly encourage you to further explore the vast economic potential of Sri Lanka, an island nation that is strategically located in the Indian ocean and provides major opportunities for mutually sustainable benefits,” he told the audience.

He further noted that Sri Lanka being chosen as the venue for this regional conference is an affirmation of the country’s growing relevance and influence as a destination for international engagements and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. 

“In recent years Sri Lanka has been gaining international recognition for being a preferred travel destination known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, biodiversity and hospitality,” he said adding that tourism continues to provide employment, support small and medium enterprises and contribute meaningfully to foreign exchange earnings, in Sri Lanka. 

“Our government is proudly committed to positing the country as a sustainable global tourism hotspot in the years to come, emphasising responsible tourism., env conservative and community-based development,” Herath added.

The event was organised by the Association of Consular Corps in Sri Lanka, led by its President Mahen Kariyawasan, who has been actively engaged in strengthening Sri Lanka’s diplomatic and commercial relationships with key global partners. 

“Sri Lanka has long valued the important role played by honorary consuls in promoting trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties,” Kariyawasam said. 

“At a time when the global landscape is evolving rapidly, our collective responsibility is to strengthen collaboration, foster economic partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and regional stability,” he noted.

He also acknowledged that this conference is an important platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore new avenues of cooperation—particularly in areas such as economic recovery, investment promotion, tourism development, and cultural exchange. 

The conference was hosted by Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams.