The newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal Air Chief Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana (Retd), presented credentials to the President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel at "Sheetal Niwas", Office of the President in Kathmandu on 14 December 2023.
During his meeting with the Nepali President, Ambassador Pathirana conveyed warm greetings from the President of Sri Lanka and highlighted the strong cultural ties between the two nations. He emphasized the need to enhance economic relations between the two countries, which he expected to prioritize during his tenure. He also discussed the possibility of expanding cooperation in the fields of education, healthcare, and technology, which could further strengthen the relationship between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Congratulating the Ambassador on his appointment, President Paudel highlighted the Buddhist and cultural linkages between Sri Lanka and Nepal and emphasized the long-standing friendship between the two countries. He also emphasized the need for commencing direct air connectivity between Colombo and Lumbini for the benefit of pilgrims.
Ambassador Pathirana began his career in the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) as an officer cadet on 02 July 1985. He completed his Junior Command and Staff Course in Bangladesh and earned a Master's Degree in Operational Art and Science from Air University in Alabama, USA. Additionally, he holds a second Master's Degree in Defence Studies and Management from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He also completed the National Defence College in New Delhi, India, and obtained a Master's Degree in Philosophy from the University of Chennai in 2012. Ambassador Pathirana is a past pupil of Dharmaraja College in Kandy.
During his tenure in the Air Force, he has held various positions, including Commanding Officer, Flying Squadron, Base Commander, and Member of the Board of Management. He was later appointed as the 18th Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force in 2020 and served in this position until his retirement in 2023. Ambassador Pathirana was accompanied to the credentials ceremony by Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Nepal Nilusha Dilmini and Attaché Madusha Gunasekara.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Kathmandu
15 December 2023
