The Sri Lankan community in Belgium and Luxembourg joined together in Brussels to bid a farewell to Ambassador Grace Asirwatham as she prepares to conclude her term as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Head of Mission to the European Union on December 30, 2023.
Representing the Sri Lanka Buddhist Association, Pushpika Thilakarathne expressed sincere gratitude for Ambassador Asirwatham's tireless efforts in representing Sri Lanka's interests and fostering unity within the community. In acknowledgment of her dedicated service, the Sri Lanka Buddhist Association honoured Ambassador Asirwatham with a plaque and a flower bouquet during the farewell event. Additionally, Venerable Kurunegala Anandagosa Thero conducted a 'sethpirith' to invoke blessings upon the Ambassador during the December 2023 Buddhist religious observances, adding a spiritual touch to the farewell.
Commander (ND) B.D. S. Thissera, a Sri Lankan Naval officer seconded to the International Military Sports Council (CISM) in Belgium, commended Ambassador Asirwatham's commitment to promoting Sri Lanka's interests and her inclusive engagement with the Sri Lankan community, transcending ethnic and religious boundaries.
Further, in their reflections, Honorary Consuls Monique De Decker in Antwerp, Belgium, and Dirk Van Der Ploeg in Luxembourg underscored Ambassador Asirwatham's steadfast dedication and remarkable efforts in strengthening Sri Lanka's diplomatic connections with Belgium and Luxembourg.
In her farewell address, Ambassador Asirwatham expressed heartfelt thanks to the Sri Lankan community for their unwavering support during her tenure, reminiscing about accomplishments achieved over the last four and a half years.
Ambassador Grace Asirwatham, with over 35 years of diplomatic experience, held several important positions, including Consul General in Germany, Ambassador to Nepal, Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Secretary to the State Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, and Sri Lanka’s Head of Mission to the European Union. As an international civil servant, she served as Deputy Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the Netherlands.
In recognition of her service, Ambassador Asirwatham was honoured with the title "Sri Lankabimanya Deshabandhu Diriya Matha" by the Vishwa Padanama in Kandy. Additionally, she received the Gold Award for the State and Government Sector in the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards for 2021, presented by the Women in Management Organization in Sri Lanka, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Australian Aid (AusAID).
The Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brussels
28 December 2023
