Virtual Courtesy Call to the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in the Philippines. Left: CPSC Director General, Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe; Right: H.E. Betty Palaso, Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to the Philippines
Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, the Director General of the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and H.E. Betty Palaso, Ambassador of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea to the Philippines, met through virtual means on October 21, 2021. The visit was embarked online due to existing restrictions, as well as safety and health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Wickramasinghe introduced himself as the new official of CPSC and extended his appreciation to the government of Papua New Guinea for its continued support to CPSC. He also discussed the present membership status of the country and his future plans for the College. He also requested the Ambassador to also facilitate the proposals of Papua New Guinea on In-Country Programs, and expressed CPSC’s willingness to provide assistance to the implementing agency of the collaborative programs in Papua New Guinea, particularly on areas that may pose potential challenges such as financial or administrative concerns.
Meanwhile, Amb. Palaso updated Prof. Wickramasinghe regarding the situation of COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea, and its effects particularly in the TVET operations in the country. She also presented suggestions about CPSC’s potential assistance and strategies to key areas and development projects.
The two officials plan to hold a face-to-face meeting at a later date given that the COVID-19 conditions in the Philippines have improved substantially.
