Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka visits CFC
3 August 2020, Amsterdam. H.E. Mr. Sumith Nakandala, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, is seen with Managing Director Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal at the Secretariat of the CFC. H.E. Mr. Nakandala came to visit CFC to know more about the activities of the CFC and its impact on the ground.
Ambassador Nakandala was accompanied by Mr. Dilip Tambyrajah, Secretary of the International Natural Fiber Organization, while Amb. Belal was accompanied by Ms. Michèle Schwarz, Head of Accounting and Administration, and Mr. Hector Besong, Portfolio and Risk Manager.
During their discussion, Ambassador Sumith Nakandala reaffirmed the support of the government of Sri Lanka for the CFC and wish to see more projects for his country in the future. In response, Ambassador Belal, Managing Director, while thanking Ambassador Nakandala for their reassurance of support, urged them to disseminate the information of ongoing call for proposals by CFC so that qualified SMEs/enterprises could submit quality projects from Sri Lanka for consideration by the Executive Board of CFC.
They also discussed the issue of sustainability at a greater length. Ambassador Belal briefed them how CFC adopted its sustainability policy following its project on the Fund's capacity to manage the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks. In September 2018, following the recommendation of the Consultative Committee (CC), the Managing Director approved the implementation of the project “Development of CFC’s Social and Environmental Management System (CFC/2018/13/0003FT)”. This project helped CFC to finalize its sustainability policy and eventually making SDGs as a vital part of CFC’s working practices and culture.
Ambassador Nakandala wished to see more projects from CFC so that it can continue to work as a delivery platform towards achieving the goal of SDGs and hope that member states will provide enhanced resources so that CFC could deliver what is expected of it. Ambassador Belal assured CFC’s total commitment towards working for achievement of sustainable development Goals (SDGs).