"There are significant and far reaching changes to the role of the modern diplomat and those who study the new trends in diplomacy will realize that this role is no longer one of ceremony alone,"
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday told Sri Lanka’s diplomatic corps that their jobs entail much more than ceremonial functions and they should not only be flag-carriers for the nation.
Noting that the functions of the diplomacy are fast changing in today’s world, he told the country’s high commissioners and ambassadors assembled at Diyatalawa that the role of diplomats in the modern world is quite different to that it used to be.
"There are significant and far reaching changes to the role of the modern diplomat and those who study the new trends in diplomacy will realize that this role is no longer one of ceremony alone," he said.
Today’s diplomat has a much more functional role than that of being a mere decoration or ceremonial ornament from the home country. His role goes far beyond entertainment of other diplomats and attendance of official parties and other routine diplomatic events.
There is a far more important purpose required of diplomats than the routine of attending parties and other ceremonies.
"I am not asking you to not attend parties or host other diplomats or state guests of importance," he said. ``That must also be done. But your work must go beyond such photo opportunities.’’
Since they have been appointed to represent the country, it was necessary that they must acquire a deep understanding of the country, its many assets, short-term and long-term requirements and the problems and challenges it faces.
"Your representation should be one that is complete in every aspect," he said. ``You must be ready, willing and capable of persuading others about the needs of your country and how it can contribute to other countries, regions and the world."
The President also said that the head of mission must be father, mother, guide and mentor to mission staff. Unless all persons serving the mission are united as a family, it is nearly impossible to run an efficient mission.
"There must be trust among the entire mission staff including the heads of mission and basic office practices must be duly observed to make the missions function effectively,’’ he said.
The president also asked the ambassadors/high commissioners to ensure that they represent Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions in the countries to which they were accredited. They had to face up to their challenges through knowledge of Sri Lanka’s culture.
"Let this knowledge help to take Sri Lanka on the way forward," he said. ``Remember that you are not one who waves the Sri Lankan flag in a crowd of others. Consider yourself as a flag of Sri Lanka in every sense. You are the symbol and embodiment of our country. Live up to the standards this demands.
(Island)