President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed a High Commissioner and four Ambassadors to represent Sri Lanka in its diplomatic missions, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to enhancing global partnerships.
Newly Appointed Diplomats
- W. G. S. Prasanna: High Commissioner-designate to New Zealand
- R. S. Khan Azard: Ambassador-designate to Qatar
- S. K. Gunasekera: Ambassador-designate to Russia
- L. P. Ratnayaka: Ambassador-designate to Kuwait
- A. S. K. Seneviratne: Ambassador-designate to Egypt
The appointments were formalized during a ceremony held today (January 7, 2025) at the Presidential Secretariat, as confirmed by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
President’s Address
In his remarks to the newly appointed diplomats, President Dissanayake emphasized the critical role they will play in strengthening Sri Lanka’s bilateral relationships and fostering global cooperation. Key points included:
- Improving Sri Lanka’s International Image: Diplomats were urged to prioritize advancing the nation’s reputation and global interests.
- Supporting Expatriates: Special attention was called to the welfare of Sri Lankans working abroad, particularly in the Middle East, South Korea, and Japan, ensuring fair and equitable support.
- Attracting Investment: The President highlighted the importance of drawing direct foreign investment and expanding market opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
Government Support and Accountability
The President assured the diplomats of the government’s full backing and announced plans for future discussions to assess their progress in these initiatives.
Selection Criteria
The PMD noted that the newly appointed diplomats were selected from experienced career diplomats, each boasting over 20 years of service in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service. Their appointments reflect their expertise and potential to contribute to Sri Lanka’s global engagement and economic development.
This development signals a renewed focus on diplomacy to enhance Sri Lanka’s standing on the international stage and strengthen ties with key nations.
