By: A special reporter
March 17, Colombo (LNW): The recent Iftar Banquet hosted by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, saw the presence of two Sri Lankan diplomats: Thakshila Arnolda, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates, and Alexi Gunasekara, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai & the Northern Emirates.
However, what should have been a moment of diplomacy, respect, and cultural exchange has instead become a glaring example of how failing to adhere to local customs can harm a nation’s international reputation.
The event took place on March 13, 2025, and whilst it was an opportunity for Sri Lankan diplomats to further strengthen ties with the UAE, it has raised serious concerns about the lack of cultural sensitivity displayed.
One particularly troubling incident involved Gunasekara, who, in a conversation with His Highness, was seen pointing a finger at the ruler. This is a direct breach of Islamic etiquette, which dictates that gestures of respect should be conveyed through appropriate hand movements, not through direct pointing.
The gesture not only appeared disrespectful but is considered to be offensive in many Islamic cultures. In these moments, the simple exchange of hand gestures should have sufficed.
But it was not only Gunasekara’s misstep that caused discomfort. Arnolda’s attire at the event further exacerbated the issue. As a representative of Sri Lanka, she wore a saree—an iconic symbol of Sri Lankan cultural heritage. Whilst there is no doubt that the saree is a garment that embodies the beauty and tradition of Sri Lankan women, Arnolda’s decision to wear it without adopting the local Islamic custom of covering the body over national attire was a glaring disrespect to the customs of the UAE.
In Islamic tradition, especially during formal events like an Iftar banquet, women are expected to wear clothing that respects the modesty codes dictated by Islam. This includes the wearing of attire that covers the body fully, which is a norm that even foreign dignitaries should observe when attending such events in Muslim-majority nations.
By failing to respect these fundamental cultural practices, Arnolda’s attire was not just a personal choice—it was a diplomatic blunder that undermined the very essence of the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission.
It is crucial that diplomats, especially in a country like the UAE, are fully aware of and respect local customs to build goodwill and demonstrate an understanding of the cultures they are engaging with. It is not only an act of respect towards the host nation but also a fundamental requirement for effective diplomacy.
The government agencies’ blind eye towards such diplomatic negligence has further exacerbated the problem, in the event that all corresponding official websites and social media channels went along with the publicity, without realising its adverse effects on diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Gunasekara, whose presence in the Islamic nation is of vital importance to the ties between the UAE and Sri Lanka, has his free will of propagating ideologies of Catholic value on his social media accounts, wearing a fool’s pride for his personal glory, in complete disregard to the role he plays on and off the diplomatic framework. Should he value his religious beliefs and devote himself to being a Catholic so much, his practices could have been kept behind closed doors, in this case, on a private account. His blunder has thrown himself into becoming the origin of erosion of historical ties between the two nations.
In light of these incidents, it is time for the Sri Lankan government to reconsider the appointment of diplomats who, either out of ignorance or arrogance, disregard foreign customs and etiquette.
Diplomacy is about more than just official conversations and negotiations; it is about respect for the people, their culture, and their values. The diplomatic mission of any country should reflect its commitment to these values. When diplomats act “Diplomock,” they fail not only in their duties but also in their ability to forge meaningful international relationships.
It is essential for Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that its representatives abroad are fully equipped to navigate cultural nuances, and to remind them that respect is not merely a political necessity, but a moral obligation.
Dear Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, over to you!
