The South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) concluded in Colombo on Tuesday, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and identifying new pathways for sustainable development in South Asia.

The three-day conference was hosted by the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka under the aegis of FICAC, according to Sri Lankan daily Daily FT.

The event focused on policy dialogue, business networking and capacity building to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and foreign policy priorities.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the inauguration as the chief guest, said the government is working closely with international partners to position Sri Lanka as a credible and reliable destination for sustainable and inclusive development, investment and tourism in South Asia.

The conference brought together more than 60 diplomats, business leaders and policymakers fromacross the region, including Bangladesh.

During her address, the prime minister said Sri Lanka’s selection as the host country was significant at a time when the government was intensifying engagement with international partners to rebuild confidence and reinforce its standing as a dependable partner in the region.

She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate change, referring to the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and thanked international partners for their support.

She said climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action, shared responsibility and innovative solutions.

President of the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka Mahen Kariyawasan said hosting the conference in Colombo reflected renewed global confidence in Sri Lanka and provided an opportunity to attract investment, boost tourism and strengthen regional partnerships.

He said the programme, which included business forums, networking sessions and cultural activities, was designed to translate diplomatic engagement into tangible economic outcomes.
FICAC is currently led by Nikolaos Nikos K. Margaropoulos, Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Organisers said honorary consuls play a vital role as links between diplomacy and real-world cooperation, helping convert policy intent into practical partnerships.

They said FICAC and national consular associations are jointly working to professionalise the role of honorary consuls through expanded training and stronger public-private cooperation frameworks.

The conference concluded with a farewell gala on February 3, providing space for informal diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Organisers said the meeting is expected to produce concrete outcomes, including the formation of follow-up working groups on investment, a regional best-practice toolkit for consuls, and a schedule of bilateral missions aimed at turning discussions into projects.

Delegates, including the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group Masud Jamil Khan, attended a series of presentations on Sri Lanka covering rebuilding efforts, foreign direct investment opportunities, the current economic outlook and future direction, and export prospects.