01.02.2026-04.02.2026

FICAC South Asia Regional Conference 2026

Colombo, 4 February 2026 – From 1 to 4 February 2026, the Regional FICAC Conference for South Asia took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This conference is one of the key forums for the international consular community. The event was organized by the Association of Consuls of Sri Lanka in partnership with the International Federation of Consular Corps and Associations (FICAC).

The forum brought together honorary consuls, high-ranking government officials, diplomatic representatives, and experts from around the world for high-level dialogue, institutional discussions, and cross-cultural engagement.

The first day of the conference featured a ceremonial cultural program. Delegates witnessed the grand procession of the Navam Perahera at the Gangaramaya Temple, with elaborately decorated elephants, dancers, drummers, and monks. The evening concluded with a traditional dinner at Nuga Gama restaurant, offering national cuisine and artistic performances.

The official sessions took place on the second day. Opening remarks were delivered by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Harini Amarasuriya, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development and sustainable reforms; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wijita Herath; the President of the Association of Consuls of Sri Lanka, Mahen Kariyawasam; and the President of FICAC, Nikolaos Margaropoulos.

The business program included presentations of the Executive Diploma in Diplomacy course by FICAC, focusing on consular practice and diplomacy, as well as thematic discussions on the role of consular institutions in the modern world — from citizen protection to facilitating trade, attracting investment, and digital transformation. A highlight was the presentation by VFS Global, the conference’s main sponsor, on the use of digital platforms and artificial intelligence in consular and visa operations. The day also featured the 2nd Green Diplomacy Forum, dedicated to climate action and sustainable development.

On the third day, the forum’s program unfolded across multiple tracks. Leading politicians and business representatives from Sri Lanka delivered high-level briefings on the country’s economic outlook, opportunities for foreign investors, tourism development, and export potential. Meanwhile, the FICAC Training Program, led by the Federation’s Vice-President Asif Chowdhury, addressed consular mission responsibilities, ethics, and cultural diplomacy. A special moment of the day was a tree-planting ceremony at Viharamahadevi Park, held jointly with the Mayor of Colombo, Vyrie Kalli Baltazar. This ceremony symbolized the international consular community’s commitment to the principles of green diplomacy.

The conference concluded on 4 February with delegates participating in celebrations marking the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka at Independence Square in Colombo. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered a speech on “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” emphasizing the importance of inclusive economic growth, national unity, and international cooperation as the foundation for the country’s future.

The Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan was represented at the Conference by Hon. Denis Van den Weghe, FICAC Board Member and Chairman of the Board of the Society of Honorary Consuls of Kazakhstan. In his speech, Hon. Denis Van den Weghe addressed the topic “Trade and Consuls: Creating Corridors for Economic Growth,” highlighting the key role of the honorary consul institution in fostering trade and economic cooperation between countries.