All nations from ancient times have recognized the status of diplomatic agents. The purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations concerning the sovereign equality of States, the maintenance of International peace and security, and the promotion of friendly relations among nations.

Diplomatic relations refer to the customary diplomatic intercourse between nations. It involves permanent contact and communication between sovereign countries.
This was highlighted at the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, an international treaty that defines a framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries. It specifies the privileges of a diplomatic mission that enable diplomats to perform their function.

International relations are important because they are meant to prevent misunderstandings and future conflicts between nations. They strengthen the economy and the common goals between countries, becoming the root of great binding agreements. International relations plays a key role in order to achieve peace among states.

Main Activities

• Contribute to the effective implementation of environmental conservation activities in coordination with the conventions, protocols, declarations and cooperation programs where Ministry act as the National Focal Point.
• Effective coordination with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Global Environment Facility (GEF), South Asia Co-Operative Environment Programme (SACEP), Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) andInternational Nitrogen Management System (INMS) being the Operational Focal Point for Sri Lanka.
• Facilitating payments for Annual Country Contributions and Host Facility for the International Environment Conventions and Protocols, International Organizations and Cooperation Programs on behalf of Sri Lanka without delay.
• Facilitating the South Asia Co-operative Environment Program (SACEP) as its’ host country, attending it’s Consultative Committee meetings, Governing Council and coordinating the programs organized by SACEP.
• Related to the environment projects organized by the Global Environment Facility (GEF),Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) to get optimum benefits.
• Enable ministry to evaluates all project proposals related to grants made by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to the Government of Sri Lanka, make recommendations and make necessary follow-ups, and represent the National Steering Committee Meetings related to the projectsas well as intervening to implement projects effectively.
• Directing and supervising projects implemented under the Small Grant Program under Global Environment Facility (GEF).
• Make observations and recommendations on behalf of Sri Lanka in conjunction with relevant stakeholders on matters relating to multilateral declarations and proposals in the field of environment submitted by member countries of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Intervene to implement the decisions made.
• Study the Bilateral and Multilateral agreements signed by Sri Lanka in the field of environment and submit relevant proposals and observations as well as consult the Department of Attorney Generalto get clearance for the agreements.

Circulars related to the Division

• Circular in deplomatic relations - Circular No: SP/CA/01/11
  [ PDF - 1.13 MB ]

Our Team

Mrs. Kulani H.W. Karunarathne Director

Deputy Director