The Government of Sri Lanka has taken initiatives to reopen the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Nicosia. Accordingly, the newly appointed Consul General, U.L. Niyas arrived in Nicosia on 21 July 2025 to commence the consulate's operations.
Consul General Niyas met with Chief of State Protocol for the Republic of Cyprus, Koula Sophianou on 22 July 2025 and handed over the copy of his commission of appointment.
During the meeting, the Consul General highlighted the circumstances prevailed in the country that led to the temporary closure of the Consulate in Nicosia, and emphasized the importance the incumbent government places on its reopening. Chief of State Protocol welcomed the new Consul General and expressed appreciation for the decision of the Government of Sri Lanka to reopen the consulate. She further assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus would extend all necessary support to establish the consulate and commence its functions.
The Consulate will begin providing consular services from a temporary location starting this week until being shifted to a permanent Consulate premises.
U.L. Niyas joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2012. He previously served in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service from 2003 to 2011. He has held positions in the Protocol Division, Consular Affairs Division, and the Overseas Mission Administration Division (OMAD) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. His overseas postings include service at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad, and as Acting Consul General in Jeddah.
The newly appointed Attaché to the Consulate General in Cyprus, Shantha Seneviratne accompanied the Consul General Niyas during the meeting.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Nicosia
24 July 2025
