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 on 01 November 2023.
Minister Sabry outlined key aspects of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy priorities of the present Government under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Heads of Mission have been appointed at a critical juncture where they are called upon to play an important role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane spoke on the role of a Head of Mission as a manager and leader and highlighted challenges faced by Heads of Mission in today’s context.
The Orientation Programme will cover key areas of focus for Sri Lanka Missions abroad including trade and investment, foreign employment, tourism, consular affairs and public diplomacy. The programme will also include visits to the Northern, Eastern and Southern Provinces as well as interactions with key interlocutors in the private sector and civil society.
The following are the newly appointed Heads of Mission: Ambassador-designate to Italy Satya Rodrigo (SLFS), Ambassador-designate to Egypt Madurika Weninger (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake (SLFS), High Commissioner-designate to Bangladesh Dharamapala Weerakkody (SLFS), Ambassador-designate to Belgium and the European Union Chandana Weerasena (SLFS), High Commissioner- designate to India Kshenuka Senewiratne (retd. 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.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
02 November 2023
