Govt. spending billions to boost its image internationally

SATURDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2014

The Sri Lankan government is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to hire corporate lobbyists to boost its image states ‘The Independent’ published in the UK.

It states Sri Lanka has recently agreed a contract with its eighth lobbying firm this year to change the way the country is perceived internationally. It also wants the companies to improve contact between Sri Lankan officials and members of the US government in a bid to reach out to “US media, opinion leaders and possibly US officials concerning issues of importance”.

‘The Independent’ states “A report in The Hill newspaper said the semi-autonomous Central Bank of Sri Lanka had recently agreed a contract with the Liberty Group, a Washington based lobbying organization owned by a former Congressman from Florida. The year-long deal is worth $760,000 (£472,000) and as part of the arrangement, a second lobbying firm, Levick, has also been brought in. Levick charges $60,000 a month as a retainer.”

According to the report eight lobbying firms have been hired by Sri Lanka this year. Other firms that have been retained reportedly include R&R Partners, Madison Group and Beltway Government Strategies.