• = Australia has provided SL more support than ever this year, including through $75 million in development funding in 2022-23

• = There is great potential in GOSL’s plan to become a regional hub for international education

• = Permanent migration visas available in 2022-23, has increased legitimate migration pathways to Australia

by Sanath Nanayakkare

As a friend and neighbour, Australia will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka in any way we can, and Australian companies continue to see Sri Lanka as a highly prospective place to invest and do business,” the newly designated Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens told The Island Financial Review during an exclusive interview with him.

“Australia and Sri Lanka enjoy strong economic and trade cooperation, which has continued this year despite the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka. Australian companies continue to see Sri Lanka as a highly prospective place to invest and do business, for example in renewable energy, mineral resources, agrifood, water infrastructure, and education partnerships,” he said.

Further speaking Paul Stephens said:

“Under Australia-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA), we hold Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meetings between senior officials annually (last held in 2021) and regular working level meetings every few months. We expect to continue senior bilateral engagement on trade and investment, including with a JTC hosted by Australia later this year.”

“I’m pleased to say there are now more than 30 partnerships between Australian education providers and Sri Lankan institutions – and this number continues to grow. Australia sees great potential in the Sri Lankan Government’s plan to become a regional hub for international education. The recent interim budget announcement to allow foreign universities to establish campuses in Sri Lanka is a strong, positive step towards growing Sri Lanka’s international education sector. Australian providers are keen to be part of this journey. The technical and vocational education sector is also an emerging growth area for Sri Lanka, and one where Australia has deep expertise and experience. We continue to work with the Sri Lankan Government to consider how best to collaborate in this space. For example, in partnership with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, Australia has been a strong supporter of programs that strengthen skills across the full value chain of the tourism sector. This work is carried forward through Australia’s $14.4 million Skills for Inclusive Growth program, which has been in operation since early 2017.”

“Australian society has been fortunate to benefit from a rich mix of cultural backgrounds and heritage. As reported in the most recent Australian census, since 2021 more than half of Australia’s population was either born overseas themselves or had a parent who was born overseas. Strong people-to-people links are a bedrock of the Australia-Sri Lanka relationship. Many Sri Lankans have chosen to make Australia their home and they have made outstanding contributions to Australia’s diverse, multicultural society. I have no doubt this will continue in the future. Australia’s focus is on supporting legitimate pathways to migration, and of course, discouraging Sri Lankans from making dangerous journeys by sea. Australia recently announced an increase in the number of permanent migration visas available in 2022-23, with a focus on meeting skills shortages in regional areas. This step has increased the legitimate migration pathways available to Australia, including for Sri Lankans.”

“Australia remains committed to working practically and constructively with Sri Lanka to advance its commitments toward reconciliation and transitional justice and to meet its international human rights obligations. Australia has always had transparent and open discussions with the Sri Lankan Government on our strong support for international human rights norms. While Sri Lanka’s current economic situation is challenging, there is good evidence that durable reconciliation is a key underpinning factor for long-term political and economic stability. While we welcome a central role for strengthened, independent domestic institutions that have the trust of affected communities, we also continue to encourage Sri Lanka to engage positively with international human rights processes. We do also consider the ongoing impacts of the conflict, and the role we can play in helping to mitigate these, through our development assistance to Sri Lanka. Among other initiatives, in recent years Australia has provided support for livelihoods and psycho-social support for affected communities in the North and East, and supported a range of community-based organisations to lead reconciliation and economic development at the local level. We will continue to look for opportunities to support Sri Lanka’s reconciliation journey.”

“I was very pleased to see Sri Lanka and the IMF work together to recently finalise the IMF staff-level agreement. This is a positive step in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and Australia welcomes the strong and productive engagement by senior officials in this process. We continue to encourage the Sri Lankan Government to follow through with the implementation of any necessary reforms recommended by the IMF, as part of returning Sri Lanka to a stable and prosperous economic path. I am also pleased Australia has provided Sri Lanka more support than ever this year, including through $75 million in development funding in 2022-23, to help alleviate the impacts of the crisis on the most vulnerable. As a friend and neighbour, Australia will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka in any way we can.”

“Australia’s Indo-Pacific vision is for an open, inclusive and resilient region underpinned by rules, norms and respect for sovereignty. As an Indian Ocean neighbour, Australia wants Sri Lanka to be stable, resilient and prosperous, including by safeguarding its sovereignty and democratic values. Australia and Sri Lanka have long had productive and mutually beneficial collaboration in regional and multilateral forums, including the UN, the Commonwealth and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. We will continue to work together and support Sri Lanka’s engagement in these institutions, which we see as important mechanisms for frank and open discussion and practical action in areas of common interest.”

When asked to tell our readers about his diplomatic career, his family, the food he loves to eat and what he enjoys doing in his leisure time, the High Commissioner said,” I have been fortunate to have had a varied career which has included postings in Stockholm (where I was Ambassador), Bangkok, New York and Brasilia, in addition to Colombo. My wife Christina and I have three children, twin boys Cody and Daniel and a daughter Bella. All three are adults and remain in Australia where they are working. We are looking forward to having them visit us here in Sri Lanka. I am an avid sports follower, especially of cricket and Australia’s indigenous football code, Australian Rules. I played grade cricket for many years in Australia but have more recently focused on distance running, while also enjoying bike riding, swimming and going to the gym. There are very few foods I don’t like but I do love spicy cuisine and am looking forward to experiencing Sri Lanka’s many culinary delights, especially fish and fresh fruits!

When asked if there’s a motto that best describes how he views and approaches life, he said,” I don’t have a special motto, but I think it’s important to be nice to people and stay calm.”