Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake says that he will ensure that Sri Lanka moves into commercial diplomacy as successfully as it has done in the economic sphere while protecting the country’s integrity and national security.

Speaking to reporters after assuming duties at the foreign ministry today (25), Karunanayake said that he was appointed the finance minister on the 8th of January 2015 and that they have accomplished to the best of their ability. He said that the President and Prime Minster so desire that they got to take the foreign affairs on.

“And with the same stride, zeal and commitment, I will ensure that Sri Lanka moves as successfully done in the economic sphere into the commercial diplomacy and also protecting the integrity and national security of our country. That is our prime concern and we will do it together.” 

He stated that they will guide Sri Lanka to a new destiny and that “commercial diplomacy” will play a major role.

“We’ll certainly be able to guide Sri Lanka to a new destiny. Commercial diplomacy will play a big role and I guess reorganizing, restructuring, refocusing and reemphasizing the commitments that are required of the foreign ministry would be set in with our officials and you’ll see a new foreign service that will be coming into place,” the minister said.

He stated that the government cherishes its relationship with India and that his job is to strengthen that and move forward. 

“We see a lot of investments coming in from China. We see Japan rekindling the support that was there. With the assistance of Korea, the European Union, Britain, USA and Middle Eastern countries we will certainly take Sri Lanka to new heights,” Karunanayake added.