Colombo, Sri Lanka
September 19, 2023
Factum, an Asia and Asia-Pacific think-tank on foreign policy, tech cooperation, and strategic communications based in Sri Lanka, launched its debut publication, “Factum Foreign Policy Review: A Vision for a New Sri Lanka”, on September 19 at the Lighthouse Auditorium and Lawns in Colombo 7. The publication, undertaken by a group of young research coordinators in Factum, is a collection of recommendations made by grassroots citizens and professionals, including members of the country’s diplomatic service.
The launch, which unfolded from 4 to 5 pm, witnessed the participation of several dignitaries, including the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, former President Maithripala Sirisena, Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, and the Leader of Sri Lanka’s Veddah Community Uruwarige Wannila Aththo.
A review of the publication was made by Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne, while the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka His Excellency Gopal Baglay relayed a message that was delivered by a member of Factum. Two members of the research team made a presentation on the foreign policy consultations the organization undertook last year.
Speaking at the launch, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka’s core values as a democracy and urged a focus on economic diplomacy to save Sri Lanka from bankruptcy. He commended the Factum team for its unique approach to support decision makers in Sri Lanka and requested decision makers to pay attention to such efforts. Acting Foreign Minister Tharaka Balasuriya reiterated the need for economic diplomacy and highlighted the many strides Sri Lanka has taken in multilateral forums. He urged the Factum team to build on its research and be consistent in its collaborations with other organizations in the foreign policy and advocacy space.
In his message the High Commissioner of India His Excellency Gopal Baglay highlighted India’s efforts at aiding Sri Lanka during the crisis last year, and reiterated its advocacy of multilateralism, as reflected in its belief in the whole world being one family. Ambassador Kshenuka Senewiratne then read out a synopsis of the publication, which is divided into six themes: Geopolitics, Defense Cooperation, Research and Innovation, Digital Cooperation, Climate and Environment, and People to People Ties. While contending that the publication signals an important first step, she nevertheless pointed out that further research would be needed to build and follow up on such efforts.
“Factum Foreign Policy Review: A Vision for a New Sri Lanka” advocates a more consultative and accountable foreign policy in Sri Lanka, based on grassroots consultations. It builds on a key concern that several citizens raised during the consultations: that the focus should be, not on rebuilding Sri Lanka, but on building a new Sri Lanka.
You can download the e-version of the book here.
