A bold proposal from a former Sri Lankan diplomat claims the nation can unlock USD 1 billion in just two months by mobilizing its global diaspora, offering a powerful new path for recovery during one of the country’s most difficult periods.
As Sri Lanka navigates one of the most challenging chapters in its recent history, diplomats and development strategists are rethinking how the nation can accelerate economic recovery. Among those urging innovative solutions is Ambassador Kananathan, who has called on the Government to immediately engage one of its most powerful development partners, the global Sri Lankan diaspora.
“We are at a point where traditional solutions alone are no longer enough,” Ambassador Kananathan said in a recent discussion. “But Sri Lanka is fortunate, our biggest strength is not just within our borders but across the world. Five million Sri Lankans abroad represent a resource with enormous potential for national rebuilding.” The Ambassador emphasized that Sri Lanka’s economic resilience depends on global collaboration, strategic outreach and coordinated national leadership.
Sri Lankans today live and work in nearly every major economic center, including the Middle East, Europe, North America, East Asia, Africa and Australia. They have financial stability, international expertise and global networks that surpass the capacity of many other migrant communities. “This is not just a diaspora, it is a global Sri Lankan family,” he noted. “Their emotional connection to Sri Lanka has never faded, and many are asking how they can support the country at this critical moment.”
Ambassador Kananathan proposed a transformative model built on a simple concept, a voluntary contribution of USD 100 per expatriate, coordinated through diplomatic missions, Sri Lankan associations and community networks. He stressed that diplomatic missions should lead an energetic, coordinated and results oriented global campaign focused on outreach, engagement and mobilization. “With five million Sri Lankans abroad, even partial participation would be powerful,” he said. “If the global community contributes USD 100 for just two months, Sri Lanka could raise as much as USD 1 billion. That is a lifeline capable of rebuilding infrastructure and supporting thousands of families.” He added that transparency and impact reporting would motivate strong participation. “When people can see the impact of their contribution, they will participate wholeheartedly.”
He emphasized that the effort should not be seen as charity. “This is about solidarity, not aid. When Sri Lankans help Sri Lanka, it is a statement of unity and national pride.” The Ambassador noted that Sri Lankan expatriates have always rallied in moments of crisis, and that the issue has never been willingness but structure.
Reconstruction, he said, must be viewed as a shared national responsibility. “No single group can rebuild a nation alone,” he stated. “Reconstruction is a responsibility shared by every Sri Lankan, whether they live in Colombo, Galle, Canberra, Jaffna or Toronto.” He believes the initiative holds significant symbolic meaning. “It tells the world that Sri Lankans do not wait for someone else to fix their challenges. We come together. We lift together. We rebuild together.”
Diplomatic observers note that such an initiative could mark a new era of diaspora engagement rooted in transparency, accountability and unity. Ambassador Kananathan concluded with optimism. “This is a moment for Sri Lanka to rise together. The action is simple, the impact is extraordinary, and the time is now. When Sri Lankans unite, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”
an inspiring exceptional idea from excellency Kananathan and this captures the spirit of rebuilding together.What stands out most is the clarity of purpose — a structured, coordinated effort that channels goodwill into real, measurable impact. Government should act Swiftly