The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to establish a Sri Lankan Embassy in Cyprus, effective from July 20, to provide diplomatic services to Sri Lankans living in the country.
According to a Foreign Ministry statement, the Government of Cyprus has granted approval for the opening of the embassy, and the delegation appointed by the ministry to commence operations at the embassy, is scheduled to depart for Cyprus on July 15.
Commenting on this development, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the decision to reopen the Sri Lankan Embassy in Cyprus was made after considering repeated requests from Sri Lankans residing there.
The minister further said that, following the opening of the office, services will be provided to the Sri Lankan community and steps will be taken to expand employment opportunities and promote trade and investment.
Around 15,000 Sri Lankans currently reside in Cyprus, and a few years ago, the previously active Embassy in Cyprus was closed, forcing Sri Lankans to seek diplomatic services from the embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
With the intervention of Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, the new government is able to respond to the demands of Sri Lankans in Cyprus and initiate this diplomatic mission, the Foreign Ministry statement said. (Newswire)