Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Ministry joins national initiative ‘A Culture of Integrity-A Clean Sri Lanka’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism joined the national initiative  ‘A Culture of Integrity-A Clean Sri Lanka’, at the start of the National Integrity Week on 27^th July,  with the reading of the Integrity Pledge. The event was held at the Republic Building with Secretary  Aruni Ranaraja in attendance.  

Addressing the gathering, Secretary Ranaraja said integrity is “reflected in the everyday choices we  make. It is choosing honesty when it would be easier to remain silent, fairness when faced with  competing interests, accountability when mistakes are made, and always placing the public interest  before our own.” Pointing out that the Ministry represented Sri Lanka to the world, protecting the  interests of Sri Lankans overseas, supporting those seeking foreign employment, promoting tourism, trade and investment, she emphasized that the Ministry is the face of the country. 

Therefore,she said, every interaction engaged in by the Ministry reflected not only on the institution  but also on Sri Lanka itself. She further stated that “a culture of integrity is built one action at a  time: when honesty becomes a habit, accountability becomes the norm, and respect becomes part  of our daily work.” 

All staff joined in committing to the Integrity Pledge, reading the oath in Sinhala and Tamil.  

The Integrity Officer of the Ministry gave a brief background on the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU)  that was established in the Ministry in April 2025, and the work carried out by the Unit since then.  Thereafter, the Ministry’s Code of Conduct was declared by the Head of IAU of the Ministry, which  will be displayed at the Ministry premises in all three languages.  

Sri Lanka’s Missions and Posts overseas joined the event virtually, with over 130 participants taking  part.