Sri Lanka’s gateway to emerging markets and strategic partnerships- former SL envoy to Kenya

*Increased Sri Lanka's accreditation in Africa from 4 to 22 countries, enhancing the nation's presence on the continent.

* Made  progress in expanding Sri Lanka’s economic footprint on the continent

Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Kenya Kana Kananathan shared his views on Sri Lanka’s ties with Africa, his achievements in the realization of Sri Lankan interests in the region. He was concurrently accredited to 22 other African countries.

*You served as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya and were concurrently accredited to 22 African countries. As your tenure came to an end, how would you describe the journey and your key accomplishments during this time?

It has been an incredibly rewarding journey, marked by both challenges and significant milestones. When I first assumed this role, it was not only an opportunity to serve Sri Lanka’s diplomatic interests but also to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with African nations. Reflecting on my time, a few key accomplishments stand out.

First, I am proud of the strides we made in strengthening political and economic ties with several African countries. This included securing their support for Sri Lanka in multilateral forums, advancing our global standing. Additionally, facilitating the entry of Sri Lankan businesses into African markets became a major focus. We made meaningful progress in expanding Sri Lanka’s economic footprint on the continent.

A significant achievement was the expansion of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic presence in Africa. When I began, the High Commission in Nairobi had accreditation to only four African countries. By the end of my tenure, that number had grown to 22, a testament to the government’s confidence in my ability to represent Sri Lanka across such a dynamic region.

* What were the main strategies you used to engage with African heads of state and gain their support?

Building the right connections with African countries was a strategic priority. Through Sri Lanka’s historical ties and shared values within global and regional platforms like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Commonwealth, IORA, and South-South Cooperation, I was able to promote meaningful partnerships rooted in mutual respect.

My strategy for engaging African heads of state focused on cultivating personal relationships and understanding the political landscape across the continent. Over the years of my tenure , through my personal connections, I made it a point to meet directly with 31 African Heads of States, building trust and ensuring they understood Sri Lanka’s position, especially around shared values such as sovereignty, independence, and self-determination.

Emphasizing these commonalities allowed us to establish strong solidarity with African countries, which enabled effective collaboration in multilateral forums. This approach was crucial in securing the support we needed, as many African nations prioritize these same principles, making our connections both ideologically and strategically significant.

*You also achieved the removal of Sri Lanka from Tanzania’s referral visa list. How did you manage to get it done?

Yes, the removal of Sri Lanka from Tanzania’s referral visa list was a significant diplomatic breakthrough. The policy had been in place for over two decades, and unfortunately, no previous ambassador had succeeded in resolving it. My strength lies in influencing political connections, at the highest levels. By engaging directly with key decision-makers in Tanzania, I was able to bring about the policy change.

The solution was to establish regular visa channels for Sri Lankans, easing travel and laying the foundation for stronger bilateral relations. This success demonstrated the power of diplomacy and the importance of building mutual trust between nations.

*Can you share an example of a challenging situation you faced in your role as an ambassador and how you addressed it to achieve a positive outcome?

When I assumed the role of High Commissioner to Kenya, the mission faced significant challenges. The mission had lost credibility among the Sri Lankan community due to internal conflicts and mismanagement under previous leadership, creating division and hindering its ability to fulfill objectives.

My priority then was to immediately restore the High Commission’s credibility and rebuild trust. I focused on resolving internal conflicts, improving communication, and establishing a collaborative atmosphere. By aligning the team with the mission’s core goals and emphasizing transparency, we addressed the dysfunction and created a more unified approach.

The transformation was evident within a short period. The Sri Lankan community in Kenya appreciated the changes, came together, and supported the mission. This unity allowed us to better promote Sri Lanka’s interests and improve its image in Kenya, leading to significant success for the High Commission.

*You were invited to monitor elections in several African countries. What does this say about Sri Lanka's growing influence in Africa?

Being invited as an international observer was a unique honor, and the recognition stems from the strong personal relationships I have cultivated with African leaders and governments as I was the only serving ambassador invited by multiple African countries to observe their elections. It was a clear reflection of Sri Lanka's growing diplomatic influence in the region. It signifies the trust and respect we have built with African leaders. This involvement also demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to democratic principles—values that resonate strongly with many African countries.

The recognition we received reflects the strong bilateral ties I cultivated during my tenure, positioning Sri Lanka as a trusted partner in Africa. It also highlights the personal relationships I established with African leaders, further affirming Sri Lanka’s increasing diplomatic presence in the region.

*What have you achieved in terms of realization of Sri Lanka’s economic interests in the region?

My focus has always been identifying opportunities where Sri Lankan businesses can add value to both Africa and Sri Lanka’s growing economies. In sectors like renewable energy, I worked closely with both the Sri Lankan government and African authorities to create an environment conducive to investment. I facilitated the entry of 17 major Sri Lankan companies into African markets, generating significant employment and strengthening economic ties.

In Africa, where countries are focused on rapid development, promoting Sri Lanka’s economic interests has been about creating win-win scenarios. Having lived in East Africa for nearly four decades, I’ve gained in-depth knowledge of the regional dynamics, which allows me to build strong economic connections that appeal to African countries while delivering tangible benefits for Sri Lanka. These initiatives are opening new markets and promoting long-term partnerships that support South-South cooperation.

*One of your notable achievements was launching Sri Lankan Airlines flights to Kenya, a move that enhanced Sri Lanka's role in regional logistics. Can you explain the strategic importance of this initiative?

The launch of Sri Lankan Airlines flights to Kenya was strategically important for enhancing Sri Lanka’s role as a regional logistics hub. The flights facilitated the transportation of Kenyan horticultural products to Sri Lanka for transshipment to Australia. This not only tapped into the lucrative African market but also reinforced Sri Lanka’s role in global trade, particularly in agriculture and logistics.

Although the service was temporarily paused due to aircraft shortages, the initiative showcased the potential for Sri Lanka to further develop international connectivity and regional logistics.

*As you reflect on your tenure, what do you consider your greatest contribution to Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and its relationship with Africa?

My greatest contribution has been creating lasting, meaningful connections between Sri Lanka and Africa. I worked hard to expand Sri Lanka’s diplomatic footprint in Africa, engaging with political leaders, business communities, and institutions. Strengthening economic ties, facilitating investments, and enhancing Sri Lanka’s presence in Africa have been central to my efforts.

I am proud to have played a part in securing a stronger, more visible role for Sri Lanka in Africa, which has long been a need in our diplomatic relations with the continent.

*Now you have officially stepped down as High Commissioner.  How do you plan to continue contributing with your expertise in economic diplomacy to the relationship between Sri Lanka and Africa, particularly in the business sector?

Although I have officially stepped down as High Commissioner, my commitment to promoting business ties between Sri Lanka and Africa remains strong. As both a Sri Lankan businessman and someone with deep roots in Africa over the past 40 years, I continue to bridge the best of both worlds. I am dedicated to supporting Sri Lankan businesses seeking opportunities in Africa, a mission I have pursued even before my tenure as High Commissioner.

To that end, I have established a one-stop centre in my Office that streamlines the process for entrepreneurs, enabling them to set up ventures in Africa with minimal bureaucracy. My goal is to simplify the process and build stronger business connections between Sri Lanka and Africa. Through the network of goodwill and trust I have developed with key stakeholders across the continent, I am able to offer support to Sri Lankan businesses as they establish a presence in the region.

I believe that diplomatic success goes beyond representation; it requires a genuine commitment and effort to build meaningful connections. When an ambassador embraces these qualities, it resonates positively with the country they represent, driving lasting impact.

 *What does the future holds for Sri Lanka’s diplomatic relations in Africa in your view?

My legacy would be that of a diplomat who worked relentlessly to strengthen Sri Lanka’s ties with Africa—not only through political diplomacy but also by promoting business and investment partnerships. I have always been outgoing, proactively seeking opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to me. In today’s interconnected world, being proactive is essential to ensure our country benefits from emerging markets.

I believe an ambassador’s role is more than just holding a title; it is a profound responsibility to engage proactively, build bridges, and serve the country’s interests with dedication. I focused on cutting through bureaucratic red tape to create opportunities for meaningful exchanges. By establishing personal connections with political leaders and key authorities, I facilitated productive dialogues that led to tangible outcomes.

Sustaining and enhancing our relations with Africa requires continued commitment, mutual respect, and sustained cooperation. Maintaining this cooperation within international forums will further consolidate the solidarity between Sri Lanka and African countries, strengthening our diplomatic bonds on the global stage. I am hopeful that the work I’ve done will serve as a strong foundation for future efforts. As Africa’s economic potential continues to grow, Sri Lanka should focus on building mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in areas like trade, investment, and sustainable development. I am optimistic that Sri Lanka will continue to capitalize on the opportunities in Africa, creating lasting connections and advancing shared prosperity.

*During your tenure, how was your working relationship with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly with its leadership at the time?

I must say that my working relationship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was truly exceptional, and it played a vital role in the success of my mission in Africa. I had the privilege of working closely with then-Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and then-Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, both of whom were unwavering in their support for my work.

Their combined support not only empowered me to represent Sri Lanka effectively across Africa but also enabled us to achieve significant milestones in strengthening our ties with the continent.

* Before your tenure as High Commissioner, you held advisory roles with African governments. Could you elaborate on these positions and the contributions you made?

Answer: Certainly. I had the privilege of serving in key advisory capacities with African governments.

One of these roles was as an Advisor on Investments to former President Prof. Alpha Condé of Guinea. In this position, I provided strategic insights to identify and attract investment opportunities that contributed significantly to Guinea’s economic growth. My focus was on sectors such as mining, infrastructure, and energy, which are vital for the country’s development.

Additionally, I served as an Advisor to the Department of Major Works and Strategic Investments in the Central African Republic (CAR), working under the direction of the President of Central African Republic.

These connections enriched my ability to bridge partnerships between Sri Lanka and Africa, particularly in investment and economic collaboration.