MESSAGE FROM THE HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL OF THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES IN SRI LANKA

On the 12th of June of every year, Filipinos all over the world commemorate the Anniversary of the Day of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, its "Day of Freedom" from Spanish rule.

This year marks the 124th year of Independence of the Republic of the Philippines. This year’s theme calls for Filipinos all over the world to “Rise towards the Challenge of a New Beginning”, which is a very apt theme given the whole world is recovering steadily after the challenges faced globally as the result of the pandemic. As we still steer through many new trials in a road to recovery, we are constantly faced with many obstacles which have to be confronted with courage and determination, while we strive towards a new beginning.

The year 2022 is also the 61st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka. It is notable to mention the efforts and strategies adopted by both governments to strengthen the economic, political, social, and international relations between the two countries.

I, as the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in Sri Lanka, am privileged to extend my warmest and most sincere greetings to all Filipino nationals residing in Sri Lanka and abroad on this Day.

It was my earnest endeavor to foster the economic, political, and cultural cooperation between the two nations, as the Honorary Consul General, and continue to promote friendly relations among our countries. I am proud to highlight that a significant achievement under my leadership is the development of the Sri Lanka - Philippine Business Council which continues to maintain close ties with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Manila. I have had the privilege of leading delegations of the Sri Lanka - Philippine Business Council on six occasions and was instrumental in signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sri Lanka - Philippine Business Council and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which helped set up a Joint Business Council (JBC) in order to carry out more systematic business promotional activities in trade, investment, technology transfer, services and other industrial sectors.

Given the challenging times faced by all citizens presently in Sri Lanka, I have been closely coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka to secure any possible relief to the Philippine community in Sri Lanka. I sincerely hope that our efforts will bring much needed assistance to the Philippine community in Sri Lanka, and together with the assistance of our Embassy in Dhaka and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, I will always endeavor to explore any possible avenues required for the betterment of the Filipino community in Sri Lanka.

I would like to convey my gratitude to His

Excellency Alan Lazaro Deniega, the Non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines in Sri Lanka, Third Secretary and Vice Consul - Christian Hope V. Reyes, Third Secretary and Vice Consul - Maria Tanya B. Gaurano and the entire staff of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Dhaka – Bangladesh, for extending their undivided cooperation to assist in dispensing my duties as the Honorary Consul General in Sri-lanka.

My sincere appreciation is extended to the Philippine Ladies Association, the Association of Filipinos in Sri Lanka and The Sri

Lanka - Philippine Business Council for their valuable contributions and unwavering cooperation to the Consulate General. I look forward to their continuous support in the coming years.

On behalf of the personnel at the office of the Consulate General, I hereby convey my heartfelt wishes for a bright and prosperous future for the Republic of The Philippines and to all Filipinos, at home and abroad.