PRASL kicks off 2025 with talk on ‘Unlocking the Power of Diaspora PR’

Diaspora Public Relations is an emerging subject in public relations globally that is most relevant to Sri Lanka. As Sri Lanka seeks to draw in support for the country, its initiatives and local communities, the Sri Lankan Diaspora of first and second generation emigrants, expatriate workers, students abroad, and increasing numbers Sri Lankans who have decided to make their home elsewhere, becomes a vital segment with special interests and deep connections with their motherland to tap into.

The Sri Lanka Diaspora is today a three million strong segment living and working in North America, Europe, Middle & Far East, and Australasia, virtually the world over. Comparatively, India has the largest diaspora in the world, with over 15.5 million Indians living abroad. Diasporas play a significant role in fostering cultural exchange, economic development, and maintaining connections between their homeland and host countries. The connections develop into strong emotional bonds with a commitment to contribute to the development of the motherland and its communities.

Diaspora PR management is a two-way communication process with mutual benefits. The need for Diaspora participation in their homeland development both at a community and national level is the focus of this management science.  Diaspora PR has also become vital in the commercial world in influencing policy and driving trade between the home and adopted country. Diaspora PR today transcends ethnic bias assuming a broader scope. The process addresses next generation diaspora too who are inducted into an emotional attachment with their parents’ country of origin. 

The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) features a globally reputed expert on the subject Dr. Ved Sarvotham to do justice to kick-off its evening talks for 2025.  Dr. Sarvotham is an active member of the Public Relations Society of India. He brings with him more than 40 years of experience working in PR and Marketing with the Boeing Group and Western Union both in the USA and India. As an expert in Diaspora PR, he developed this concept and implemented it in both countries to generate corporate value and political Influence.

Governments obtaining professional expertise in Diaspora PR could be more successful in driving FDI and diaspora involvement in national initiatives while overcoming challenges in dealing with this group by leveraging deep insights into audience and process.

The talk takes place on Thursday 23rd January at the GAP HQ, 120/10A Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 7 at 6 pm and is sponsored by Asia Capital PLC. Attendance is free for PRASL members. Non-members could also register at a fee of Rs.5000 at [email protected]  or by calling Yasasi on +94 70 143 7115. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here