Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, located to the south of the Indian Subcontinent. The island is rich in natural resources and has a diverse economy based on agriculture, mining, fishing, manufacturing, and tourism.
In 1948, after nearly 150 years of British rule, Sri Lanka became an independent country and was admitted to the United Nations seven years later. The country is a member of the Commonwealth and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Ethiopia and Sri Lanka have longstanding relations. The two countries have been supporting each other in the international forum on issues of common interest. Ethiopia and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1965, and ties between the two countries have been expanding steadily over the years.
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Ethiopia was officially opened on February 7, 2017, by the Foreign Minister of Ethiopia and Sri Lanka.
The two countries have had multiple discussions centered on developing partnerships for trade and investment between Ethiopia and Sri Lanka, with bilateral linkages in targeted priority sectors such as apparel manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, agriculture, ICT, innovation and knowledge creation, logistics, and construction.
The discussions envisioned a wider Africa-centric partnership, particularly on blue economic initiatives, to meet common challenges of climate change, sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, energy, and security within the solidarity of South-South cooperation.
Today’s guest is K.K. Theshantha Kumarasiri, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ambassador Kumarasiri explains the present political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
As the new Head of Mission to Ethiopia, the ambassador expressed his commitment to broaden the existing bilateral interactions between Sri Lanka and Ethiopia under his dual position. Have a nice read!
Could you please provide information on the bilateral relations between the two countries?
The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with all African countries, including Ethiopia, as part of the new foreign policy initiative called “Look Africa” introduced by President Wickremesinghe.
The discussion focused on developing partnerships for trade and investment between Ethiopia and Sri Lanka in priority sectors such as apparel manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, ICT, innovation, logistics and construction. The goal is to create a wider Africa-centric partnership, particularly in blue economic initiatives, to address common challenges like climate change, sustainable development, economic growth, energy, and security through South-South cooperation.
Efforts are being made to establish ongoing bilateral interactions between Sri Lanka and Ethiopia, including forming institutional and structural instruments for enhancing cooperation and establishing partnerships with business chambers in both countries for mutual benefits.
Despite challenges, Sri Lanka has remained resilient and is looking to strengthen partnerships with Africa, especially with Ethiopia and other African nations. The upcoming commencement of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Colombo, which will further enhance trade, investment and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
We have a lot to learn from each other. As the Embassy of Sri Lanka, we need to narrow down the gap between our two countries. We are going to sign an MOU on a cultural cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka and Ethiopia, which will help us expand our cooperation, particularly in the literary sector, library cooperation, film industry, photographic industry, and other areas.
This will help us be more engaged with each other and pave the way for engagement in other sectors at a political and economic level. This partnership is aimed at bridging the gap between our people, the business community, policymakers, and more.
After being assigned as an ambassador, how do you assess the level of bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Sri Lanka?
We have already signed two agreements with Ethiopia – one for political consultations and another for technical cooperation. Additionally, there are several agreements in progress, including defense and energy cooperation, cultural exchange, and potential joint ventures in agriculture and the plantation industry. Sri Lankan companies are particularly interested in these areas.
We have proposed tea, rubber, wheat and rice plantations, as well as partnerships in science, technology and the energy sector. We have introduced seven Ethiopian companies to Sri Lankan partners, with a focus on areas like the cosmetic industry and mining. We are also working on enhancing connectivity between the two countries, with plans to sign an MOU for air services and potentially establish direct flights between Colombo and Addis Ababa.
Expanding cooperation in trade, tourism and digitalization is a priority. Sri Lanka’s rich hospitality industry, particularly in tourism and hotels, can be shared with Ethiopia, which is currently promoting tourism and eco-tourism. There is potential for collaboration in Ayurvedic tourism and technology sharing. Both countries are looking to strengthen relations in various fields, including manufacturing and digitalization. Discussions between the leaders of both nations have highlighted the importance of building partnerships and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
Recently, your embassy celebrated a cultural festival with the presence of the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa. Could you please provide more details about the festival and its significance for Sri Lankans and other members of the international community residing here?
Last Sunday’s celebration is the International Day of Vesak, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated by many countries around the world, particularly in South Asian and East Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Many other countries also celebrate Vesak.
Vesak is the day when Buddha was born as a prince and attained Buddhahood, also known as enlightenment. He understood the supreme truth of the world and introduced a philosophy about life. Buddha taught that life is inherently full of suffering and explained how to overcome this suffering.
Buddhists believe in rebirth, where individuals may be reborn as different beings, leading to continued suffering. Buddha provided a solution by introducing a path to enlightenment, a state of mind called Nibbana, where one purifies their mind and eliminates hatred and ill will. This path, known as the middle path, has helped millions of people achieve enlightenment and end the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
The light festival is celebrated to honor Buddha, who showed us a new way to eradicate suffering. Buddhists celebrate this festival to show respect to Lord Buddha for providing a new path in life. In today’s world, where many people are suffering, we promote the middle path as a way to realistically analyze life, find solutions, help one another, and foster compassion and love. This is the message we are promoting through this festival.
What is the purpose of the festival?
The main purpose of this festival is to introduce the culture for Ethiopians, our friends around the world and showcase what we have to offer. It is a platform where we share our knowledge, experiences, and remedies for the conflicts in the world, as the world is currently polarized and many people are marginalized.
There are numerous individuals suffering due to climate change, political conflict, and various other reasons. Therefore, we must find solutions to these problems by creating goodwill, offering compassion to others, extending a helping hand and providing wisdom to address these issues realistically. This is the true meaning of the festival.
Is there any cultural observation you have noticed here in Ethiopia that aligns with Buddha philosophy?
Yes, because in every philosophy and religion, the fundamentals are similar, with additional segments added over time, such as rituals influenced by climate conditions, region, and cultural factors. Despite these variations, the fundamental principles of love and liberation from suffering are consistent across religions like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.
I have witnessed many religious festivals in this country, such as the large gatherings near churches every Sunday where thousands of people march to worship God and Jesus Christ.
Ethiopia’s cultural, religious and geographical diversity is evident, but the Christian religion serves as a unifying force in this predominantly Christian country. Religion plays a significant role in bringing people together, fostering harmony and unity, which is truly remarkable and something I have come to appreciate during my time here. The harmonious society in Ethiopia, where people embrace each other despite differences, is truly inspiring and has been a valuable lesson for me.
During the festival, the embassy is adorned with colorful lights and decorations. Is there a connection between this decoration and the festival?
Actually, all the lanterns were created by Sri Lankans living and working in Ethiopia, some of whom work in the Hawasa Industrial Park. Last year, we also celebrated this lantern festival, with all the lanterns made by Sri Lankans working here.
Additionally, a few lanterns were made by my embassy staff. The illuminated lanterns symbolize the teachings of the Buddha, representing the wisdom he shared that has liberated millions of people from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
Ultimately, it signifies satisfaction and the liberation of life, reflecting the Buddha’s teachings of new wisdom. These colors and illuminations pay homage to the Buddha and his teachings that offer liberation.
Here are the questions I have for you today. If you have any additional points to add, please feel free to do so.
That’s all I have for now.
Thank you, Ambassador, for your time and willingness.
It is my pleasure.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2024
