On November 01, 2023, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry inaugurated a two-week Orientation Programme for the Heads of Mission designate of Sri Lanka at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the event, Minister Sabry provided an overview of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy priorities under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Heads of Mission have assumed their roles during a critical period where their contributions are vital in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane elaborated on the responsibilities of a Head of Mission as a manager and leader, addressing the challenges faced in today’s complex international landscape.
The Orientation Programme will comprehensively cover key areas of focus for Sri Lanka’s missions abroad, including trade and investment, foreign employment, tourism, consular affairs, and public diplomacy. Additionally, it will involve visits to the Northern, Eastern, and Southern Provinces, along with interactions with key stakeholders in the private sector and civil society.
The list of newly appointed Heads of Mission includes Ambassador-designate to Italy Satyajit Rodrigo (SLFS), Ambassador-designate to Egypt Madurika Weninger (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Bangladesh Dharamapala Weerakkody (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Singapore Senerath Dissanayake (SLFS), Ambassador-designate to Belgium and the European Union Chandana Weerasena (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to India Kshenuka Senewiratne (retired SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Pakistan Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Ambassador-designate to Nepal Air Marshal Sudharshan Pathirana, Ambassador-designate to Cuba Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, and High Commissioner-designate to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama.
