Colombo (LNW): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Indrika Ratwatte of Sri Lanka as the new Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Ratwatte will also serve as the Humanitarian Coordinator.
He succeeds Ramiz Alakbarov of Azerbaijan, with recognition for the service of Daniel Endres as ad-interim Deputy Special Representative, Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Ratwatte brings over 30 years of experience in humanitarian affairs and protection in complex and crisis settings, with a significant focus on Afghanistan and regional issues.
He has held various positions within the United Nations, including Director of UNHRC’s (Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees) Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific and UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan.
Ratwatte holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Sociology from the University of Colombo, along with legal qualifications from Sri Lanka Law College.
