📈 Diplomatic Tour to Eastern Province Focuses on Tourism & Investment

• Diplomatic Excursion: Foreign Affairs Ministry and Tourism authorities organized a tourism excursion from Sept 18–20, 2026, for ~20 Colombo-based Heads of Mission visiting Pasikudah and Trincomalee to promote economic engagement. • Trade & Industrial Sites: Diplomats visited the Eravur Export Processing Zone—a Special Textile Manufacturing Zone under the Board of Investment (BOI)—to explore manufacturing and trade potential. • Investment Forum: Held presentations by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the BOI targeting investment opportunities across the tourism, mineral, and industrial sectors in the Eastern Province. • Cultural & Local Economy Integration: Tour featured visits to Seruwila Temple, Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee harbor, displays of local handicrafts by SMEs, and performances by the Portuguese Burgher Community to highlight the region's cultural heritage. • Government Focus: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath noted the visit reflects the government's commitment to extending economic and tourism benefits across all Sri Lankan communities.