Bar Association of Sri Lanka President Rajeev Amarasuriya has called for better preparation and briefing of government representatives speaking on international platforms, following remarks made by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath during a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.
In a statement, Amarasuriya said he was present in the hall during the discussion on “The Future of the Indian Ocean” when the minister responded to a question regarding the two Iranian vessels currently linked to developments around Sri Lanka.
He noted that ministers are not always experts in foreign relations or foreign policy, and said that this cannot be held against them. However, he stressed that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions to ensure that representatives are properly briefed and prepared for possible questions and scenarios.
Amarasuriya said the question regarding the Iranian vessels was foreseeable, particularly given that the panel was moderated by journalist Palki Sharma.
Sri Lanka will act in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international law regarding the possible repatriation of Iranian sailors rescued off the island’s southern coast, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.
Speaking when questioned… pic.twitter.com/viPMX8tk9P
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He added that a carefully calibrated response could have been given, suggesting the minister could have stated that Sri Lanka maintains friendly relations with all nations and that decisions would be guided by law, principle, and the country’s best interests.
According to Amarasuriya, such a response would have resonated with the audience at the forum, which included more than 600 global leaders, policymakers, diplomats and analysts.
He expressed hope that lessons would be drawn from the episode and that Sri Lanka’s representatives would be better prepared and supported when speaking on global platforms of significance in the future. (Newswire)
