The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka, the national body representing the public relations profession, has organized a high profile talk and panel discussion on how Sri Lanka could engage with overseas investors and collaborators to enhance the nation’s attractiveness and competitiveness for foreign direct investment (FDI) and joint ventures.
The event, to be held at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery on Monday the 6th of July commencing at 6 p.m., will feature internationally renowned scholar Prof. Patrick Mendis and a distinguished panel including Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera PC, former BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath, and Solutions Ground CEO Lakshan Madurasinghe. The discussion will be moderated by PRASL’s Vice President Shehara de Silva.
Harvard-educated Prof. Mendis – a visiting scholar in global affairs and former U.S. diplomat and NATO military professor who served during the administrations of six American Presidents – will draw upon his roots as a Polonnaruwa-born former AFS Exchange Scholar to explore the relevance of a foreign policy grounded in Sri Lanka’s own resources, history, and civilizational heritage. His lecture, titled “The Mahaweli Doctrine: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy must be like Water for a National Renaissance”, will examine how the nation’s waterways, strategic location and historical experience can inform a distinctive vision for Sri Lanka’s future engagement with the world.
The themes raised in the keynote address will then be examined in the context of Sri Lanka’s current efforts to attract foreign investment and forge international partnerships in manufacturing and services through the panel discussion.
Speaking on the rationale behind the event, PRASL President Nimal Gunewardena said: “We have sought for PR to be recognized as a strategic communications discipline that not only builds reputation and image but also helps drive vital initiatives successfully for government and corporates alike. This event seeks to advance the Association’s vision while demonstrating how strategic communications can contribute to Sri Lanka’s national development and global engagement.”
Several corporate partners have been approached for endorsement and support. Port City Colombo has partnered with PRASL by sponsoring the venue and event facilities.
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