Sunday, 28th September 2014
LENS
When you ask people in Estonia about Sri Lanka, what would be the first thing they say? Ceylon tea, nice sunshine and sandy beaches, cinnamon, most probably. When you ask people in Sri Lanka about Estonia, what would they say? - A small, open-minded, tech-savvy country in the Northern Europe. This is what I hope people in Sri Lanka would say. Estonia is a small country that makes it more difficult to hit the headlines in geographically far away places like Sri Lanka, but the world is getting smaller by the day, thus size and location should be irrelevant.
I had the honor to present my credentials to President Rajapaksa this week and become the first Estonian Ambassador to Sri Lanka. I am sure that this diplomatic elevation of the relationship between our two countries will be a big boost in achieving a better awareness and stronger ties connecting Estonia and Sri Lanka.
Firstly, in order to meet those hopes, we need more people to people interaction. There is nothing better and more efficient than people talking to people. Tourism is the most common, the most efficient and the most pleasant way doing it. Sri Lanka is absolutely stunning! The fabulous nature, happy people and warm weather is exactly what people from the north need. Sri Lanka also holds 7 UNESCO sites, thus a strong quality certificate to any tourist. Last year we already had 2,500 Estonians visiting Sri Lanka. And more Sri Lankans are welcome in Estonia. Tourism sector holds extremely prominent importance also in Estonia as it does in Sri Lanka. We have about 3 million overnight tourists a year visiting Estonia, a country of just 1.3 million. Thus there must be a reason why so many people want to visit Estonia. Come and see yourself!
During my discussions with President Rajapaksa and the other Sri Lankan political and business leaders we already outlined some focus areas, beside the tourism industry, that can be platforms for a kick start - logistics, IT, education. All crucial areas in any country located next to big neighbors, and therefore also big markets, like Sri Lanka and Estonia do. Estonia being a Nordic country obviously has its home market close to its borders in Europe. The membership in the European Union and eurozone are strong incentives to use all the advantages of the common market in European Union. But we need to see beyond our own courtyard. Think locally, act globally. Estonian logistics companies have already been to Sri Lanka to talk to their partners. IT companies following shortly. IT and e-governance has brought Estonia lots of fame. Skype was born in Estonia. Examples of the Estonian paperless government cabinet or e-voting (over the Internet), where we were global pioneers, showing the way to others. In e-voting we are still the sole players. I am sure that this is another area where we can learn from each other, best practicing and joint ventures is the way forward. E-health could be a good case study, as Sri Lanka has highly developed health system. As the world first hospital was established in Mihinthale, it gives even more reason to take this to the next level. Obviously, business links should be our prime focus, but our relationship in a political level has much room for a further collaboration. Estonia has a say in the policy-making of the European Union, OECD or other regional and global organizations. But we definitely need a better insight of the affairs happening in the southern Asia, bein g it SAARC or wider affairs in the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lankan experience there is very highly valued.
I want to finish with a more personal note. In my opinion sports is one of the best bridging tools countries and people can have. Unfortunately, Estonia does not have an Estonian Muttiah, thus a cricket match between our countries would be very one sided and boring. But we have our own Olympic champion in volleyball, the national sport of Sri Lanka. My farther was an Estonian champion in this sport and I am a keen player myself, although never professionally. I am looking forward playing this game personally with fellow Estonians in Sri Lanka.
Dudley Thambinayagam was appointed as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Estonia in Sri Lanka in April 2009. Lauri Bambus, Undersecretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially declared opened the Consulate Office at 100, Lake Drive, Colombo 08 on February 24, 2010 on the Independence Day of Estonia in February 2010. A strong business delegation of 22 members led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Paet visited Sri Lanka in February 2013 and had a series of discussions at the Chambers, Ministries and with business entrepreneurs.
On September 9, 2014, I, as the Ambassador for Estonia in India presented my Credentials to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and also had meetings at the National Chamber of Commerce, Urban Development Authority. Ministry of Agriculture and other private and public sector organizations to initiate and development bilateral trade opportunities.
Viljar Lubi
Estonian Ambassador for India and Sri Lanka
From: The Nation. http://www.nation.lk/edition/letters/item/33675-strengthening-ties-between-estonia-and-sri-lanka.html
