The Diplomatic Council with headquarters in The Hague / Netherlands held a New Year reception for 2014. More than 450 guests including ambassadors and diplomats from Antigua-Babuda, Ghana, Great Britain, India, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and leading personalities from the German business community were present.
The Diplomatic Council is a European-based Think Tank with a membership of diplomats and businessmen. The fundamental motivation for the foundation of the Diplomatic Council is the encouragement of international relations. The council also provides a platform for diplomacy to meet business personalities. The Diplomatic Council network encompasses more than 5000 personalities worldwide.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Ambassador Sarrath Kongahage, President of the Diplomatic Council, highlighted the potential of Sri Lanka as an emerging hub in the South Asian region. Tourism and leisure industry, higher education and training, agriculture and fisheries, health, information technology, manufacturing and agro-processing and Infrastructure including aviation have been identified are the key areas for investment. The Ambassador invited the investors from Europe to invest in those areas.
Hang Nguyen, Secretary General to the Diplomatic Council, introduced the DC Initiative "Safer Internet for Children". All over the world, children, parents and teachers can obtain educational booklets, which shall inform the children on the risks of the internet.
All guests enjoyed a delicious buffet and beverages, while making cordial and friendly contacts and exchanging their ideas.