The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted an orientation programme from 16 – 23 December, for fourteen (14) newly designated Heads of Sri Lanka Missions abroad and two (02) Heads of Post who were recently appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Those appointed are due to assume duties shortly.
The Foreign Ministry welcomes the appointment of a large number of career diplomats as Heads of Mission. Twelve (12) of the new Heads of Mission designate and one (01) Head of Post are members of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service.
The orientation programme was inaugurated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry who highlighted the current priorities for Sri Lanka Missions and foreign policy challenges. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane emphasized on the leadership role of Heads of Mission in achieving the goals and objectives of the country. The orientation programme included discussions on economic, political, security, cultural and consular matters and field visits to the Northern Province as well as other government entities. The Ambassadors designate presented their strategies for their term of office at a panel discussion attended by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane. The Heads of Mission designate paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and will pay a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in due course.
The newly appointed Heads of Mission designate from the Foreign Service include, Permanent Representative designate to the UN in Geneva Himalee Arunathilaka, Ambassador designate to Bahrain Reethi Wijeratne, High Commissioner designate to Australia Chitranganee Wagiswara, Ambassador designate to Vietnam Dr. Saj Mendis, Ambassador designate to France Manisha Gunasekera, , Ambassador designate to Kuwait B. Kandeepan, Ambassador designate to Ethiopia & Africa Union Theshantha Kumarasiri, Ambassador designate to Germany Varuni Muthukumarana, Ambassador designate to Lebanon Kapila Jayaweera, , Ambassador designate to Jordan Priyangika Wijegunasekara, Ambassador designate to the Philippines Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, Ambassador designate to Israel Nimal Bandara and Consul General designate to Milan Dilani Weerakoon .
In addition, Ambassador designate to Indonesia Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Ambassador designate to the UAE Udaya Indrarathna and, Consul General in Melbourne Sandith Samarasinghe have also been appointed.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
27 December 2022
Captions:-
- The group of newly appointed Heads of Mission/Post who completed the orientation programme appearing in a group photograph with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Foreign Minister Ali Sabry delivering the opening remarks at the inaugural session of the orientation programme at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry on 16 December 2022.
- Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane briefing on the role of Heads of Mission/Post as a Leader and a Manager during the briefing sessions of the orientation programme at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry, on 19 December 2022.
- The group of newly appointed Heads of Mission/Post presenting their strategic plans with respect to their individual assignments to the panel of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry, on 23 December 2022.
- Mrs. Krishanthi Weerakoon, Etiquette Expert delivering representational duties during the briefing sessions of the orientation programme at the Hilton, Colombo, on 16 December 2022.
- The group of newly appointed Heads of Mission/Post participating at a briefing session conducted by the tri-forces at the Secretariat of the Governor of the Northern Province, on 17 December 2022.
