Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Arun Hemachandra has attended a major international summit in Serbia, marking the first time in 15 years that a Sri Lankan state representative has engaged directly with the country’s expatriate community. Hemachandra wa…
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism Arun Hemachandra has attended a major international summit in Serbia, marking the first time in 15 years that a Sri Lankan state representative has engaged directly with the country’s expatriate community. Hemachandra was in Belgrade to participate in the high‑level commemorative gathering celebrating the 65th anniversary of the first Non‑Aligned Summit, originally held in the city in 1961. This year’s event, themed “The Legacy of Non‑Alignment: Lessons for Today’s World,” brought together global representatives on August 31 and September 1 to reflect on the movement’s historic role and contemporary relevance. Alongside the summit, the Deputy Minister met with more than 6,000 Sri Lankan workers employed in Serbia. Discussions focused on employment challenges, consular services, state support, and future needs. The community also emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated embassy or consular office to better serve their growing population. Hemachandra joined a cricket match organized by Sri Lankan workers, which became a symbolic occasion showcasing unity and Sri Lankan identity in Serbia. (Newswire)