The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa marked the official assumption of duties by Ambassador-designate Nirmala Indumathie Dias Paranavitana. She will also serve as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Observer to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Taking office on 28 April 2026, Ambassador-designate Paranavitana outlined priorities to deepen Sri Lanka’s engagement with Ethiopia and the wider African region. She emphasized strengthening cooperation in political dialogue, trade and investment, and people-to-people connections, while enhancing Sri Lanka’s role in regional and multilateral platforms in Addis Ababa.
She also called on Embassy staff to align with these priorities and focus on delivering tangible outcomes that support national development and expand Sri Lanka’s partnerships across Africa.
This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Ambassador-designate Paranavitana becomes the first Sri Lankan woman to serve in this capacity in Ethiopia and as Permanent Observer to the African Union and UNECA. It reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing inclusive leadership, while reinforcing its alignment with global values on diversity and inclusion.
As part of the accreditation process, the Ambassador-designate presented open copies of her Letters of Credence to the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Aziza Geleta, on the same day.
A senior career diplomat, Ambassador-designate Paranavitana most recently served as Director General of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. Her previous overseas assignments include postings in Japan, India, Sweden, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Addis Ababa
08 May 2026
