WARSAW
LAND OF OPPORTUNITY
Ambassador Dhammika Semasinghe sheds light on the Sri Lanka-EU relationship
Q: Could you share a few insights into your experience as the Director General for Europe and Central Asia, and European Union and Commonwealth, at the foreign ministry – and how it helped you prepare for your role as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Poland?
A: It was an insightful journey through an interplay between the foreign policy imperatives of Sri Lanka and countries from Eurasia to Europe.
With Sri Lanka gaining middle income and upper middle income status, the nature of most relationships changed from donor-beneficiary to that of cooperating partners.
European countries have a value driven foreign policy focussing on human rights, good governance and the rule of law. When challenged on these issues by our European interlocutors, we had to craft credible and informed narratives to address sensitive and complex issues.
This was an imperative to sustain the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) facility reinstated in 2017.
There was also a qualitative change in how the dialogue with these interlocutors progressed. A shared appreciation for constructive and open dialogue guided such interactions. We were able to address trust deficits and sustain difficult conversations while agreeing to disagree with mutual respect.
Recognising the emerging economic and strategic importance of Central Asian countries and the multiplicity of opportunities emerging for Sri Lanka, we prepared a substantive policy paper on increasing Sri Lanka’s diplomatic footprint in the region.
Between 2016 and 2020, there was heightened bilateral activity with the exchange of high-level visits, business delegations, the first and second rounds of political consultations being held, culminating with the launch of LOT Polish Airlines’ direct flights between Warsaw and Colombo.
Therefore, I segued from the Europe desk to the Sri Lanka mission in Warsaw with immense benefit!
Q: In your current role as our ambassador in Poland, what are the priorities for strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations?
A: The bilateral-diplomatic engagement is 67 years old and flourishing. And the third round of bilateral political consultations held last June added new direction and momentum for expanded cooperation.
Both sides have prioritised stepping up trade flows by diversifying their export baskets. While expanding business and market opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in niche sectors, it is critical to increase our exporters’ utilisation of GSP+.
The EU’s new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) governing the business sector is a challenge but also an opportunity for Sri Lanka’s established sustainable businesses in the food and beverage industry to tap further into the Polish market.
At the government to government (G2G) level, along with public-private partnerships (PPPs), cooperation in the digital economy agriculture (food processing, cold storage and post-harvest technology), pharmaceuticals, shipping and ports, and tourism have been earmarked.
And collaboration between the Colombo and Gdańsk/Gdynia ports to streamline containerised cargo operations to increase direct exports and imports has been initiated.
As Sri Lanka further streamlines and offers a transparent investor participation process, it will catalyse more Polish business interest and investment flows.
Q: You have played a part in enhancing Sri Lanka’s image on youth affairs at the UN. Could you elaborate on the importance of youth engagement in diplomatic efforts and international relations?
A: Mindful of their ecological footprint, youth drive global action on the climate crisis, sustainable living, sustainable fashion, peace building, animal rights and so on. Through effective networking on social media platforms, their activism at the community, national and regional levels culminate in global action.
Youth input into achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is happening. As the new trend-setters, the travel, food and fashion industries are already catering to the sensibilities of millennials, Gen Z and ‘youth unlimited.’
In addition, there is a generational shift in leadership with young politicians being elected to lead countries.
The global youth population is nearly 1.2 billion (aged 15-24) or 1.8 billion (aged 15-35). Today’s youth are more educated; and with the benefit of IT and social media platforms, they’re more innovative as they think and process information outside of traditional frameworks.
Q: As an aspiring ceramic artist, how do you balance your diplomatic responsibilities with your passion for ceramics?
A: I’ve integrated the aesthetic pursuit and job meaningfully with a sustained passion for both. Achieving an even keel in this effort involves constant negotiation or balancing of priorities, time management and good organisation.
The aesthetic pursuit is therapeutic and rejuvenating, It infuses new enthusiasm into doing one’s job. Both coexist, reinforcing each other and giving equal joy.
Art and diplomacy are not parallel pursuits but could intersect to become an asset in cultural diplomacy. My ceramic exhibit titled ‘Random Summer Thoughts in Clay’ at the Art of Diplomacy exhibition in Warsaw captured my impressions of nature walks in Kraków. It promoted a Sri Lankan aesthetic sensibility and celebrated the beauty of Poland’s nature trails – a win-win effort.
Art and diplomacy are not parallel pursuits but could intersect to become an asset in cultural diplomacy
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Free education combined with hard work has presented Dhammika Semasinghe with opportunities for a rewarding academic experience. And she credits mentors, strong maternal and paternal role models, family and friends for enriching her life’s journey.
Semasinghe’s parents imparted the values of the social ethos of their generation – viz. integrity, pragmatism, public spiritedness, a love for the arts and so on – which were reinforced by her exposure to a liberal arts education at a US Quaker college.
Sri Lankabhimanya Lakshman Kadirgamar’s remark that “Oxford was the icing on the cake… but the cake was baked at home (Sri Lanka)” is one that resonates fully
with her.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Three younger brothers
Four younger sisters
SCHOOLING
Yasodara Devi Balika Maha Vidyalaya
Carmel Convent School (Chanakyapuri)
Lindsay Balika Vidyalaya
St. Paul’s Girls’ School
HIGHER EDUCATION
GAQ and SAQ Political Science Honours candidate – University of Peradeniya
BA – Swarthmore College
MIPP – Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
Poland
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Warsaw