PTPI’s Greater St. Louis, Missouri Chapter recently hosted Minister Wasantha and Mohan Perera from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, DC through the Meet the Diplomats program. Chapter President Lori Scarlett wrote to tell us all about the experience:
Driving in the darkness, on a blustery October Monday evening, my husband Charlie and I were going to the train station. My mind swirled with anticipation, questions and maybe a little fear. It seemed like only a few days ago I had volunteered to spearhead the program for our local chapter…and now the moment had arrived.
What were these people like? Would we get along? Would we like each other? What would we learn? Would we find similarity or difference? Did I organize appropriate events for the Meet the Diplomats Program? What expectations did our guests have?
My anxiety and all the questions were about to be answered. I pulled the handle and jumped from the car, calling “Minister Perera?” A man and woman stood on the platform with big smiles and bright eyes filled with questions similar to my own. “Yes! Lori? Charlie?” they asked. “Welcome to St. Louis!” we replied.
Minister Wasantha Perera with Lori and Charlie Scarlett
The Meet the Diplomats program is a fantastic opportunity for diplomats residing in a country other than their own to travel outside their city of assignment and experience local life and culture. It is a grass roots, homestay experience coupled with a schedule to include organized official meetings and professional/personal points of interest. The local chapter members and greater community members gain awareness and have the opportunity to improve their understanding of other societies, people, values and goals through contact with sophisticated representatives of other countries. We truly gain a broader global perspective and it is a true People to People experience.
My first indication that the Meet the Diplomats Program works was when Minister Wasantha Perera, after visiting briefly to Kansas City, Missouri and traveling to St Louis on the train, commented, “The midwest is not at all like Washington DC.” I thought this was significant. Can you imagine being stationed outside of your country and then never really traveling beyond your standard home to work path? You might never get an understanding or feel for the variety of the culture of the country you reside in. You might not be aware that you don’t have this understanding.
My questions (and fears) were answered as the plans I had made unfolded. We got along famously! The Minister and her husband are gracious, intelligent and fun. We found we are similar with small differences! We learned about Sri Lanka, it’s history, values and goals. They have been through a difficult civil war and have hopes to develop student and professional exchanges, tourism and business development/investment in their country.
The details and logistics of the week:
Monday: The arrived in the evening and we got acquainted.
Tuesday: The Greater St Louis Chapter member and artist Phyllis MacLaren shared sights of St. Louis including Tower Grove Park, The Missouri Botanical Garden, several galleries and the Delmar Loop. In the evening we hosted a small welcome dinner which encouraged discussion.
Minister Perera with Phyllis MacLaren at the Botanical Gardens
Wednesday: We visited the University of Missouri St. Louis and then had a very successful afternoon meeting with Deborah Pierce of the Center for International Studies at Webster University. Minister Perera was delighted to establish opportunities for further discussions toward establishing student and professional exchange and possibly the establishment of a Webster University international location.
Thursday: Sunset Hills, Missouri Mayor Bill Nolan kindly organized a welcome luncheon at the Sunset Hills Country Club. Notable guests included: Congressman Todd Akin, State Senator Jim Lembke, Representative Mike Leara, several Mayors and former Mayors from the area, a judge and staff members from Sunset Hills. The Historical Society of Sunset Hills also attended, along with members of the local press and friends from the greater community. County Executive Charlie Dooley sent a proclamation making Oct 28, 2010 Minister Wasantha Perera Day in St Louis County! In the evening the Minister spoke at the Business After Hours for the Kirkwood DesPeres Chamber of Commerce.
Lori Scarlett introduces Minister Perera at the Business After Hours
Friday: Chapter member Ken Cohen took Wasantha and Mohan to the top of the St. Louis Arch and to a meeting arranged at Washington University to discuss scientific and business opportunities. In the evening we had a party with friends from the community and friends from People to People Student Ambassadors.
Did we have enough activities? Yes. Were the Minister and her husband’s expectations met? They indicated they didn’t know what to expect! They only hoped it would be meaningful in a professional and personal way and they said it was fantastic. We really missed each other after they headed back to Washington DC. We made good friends and learned much and I definitely recommend your chapter consider the Meet the Diplomats program!
Guests of the party in honor of Wasantha and Mohan Perera
