Sri Lanka’s Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Manisha Gunasekera presented her Letters of Credence to the Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay on 21 March 2023 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The ceremony entailed the presentation of credentials followed by a meeting with the Director General.
At the meeting, Ambassador Gunasekera reiterated Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to maintaining its proactive engagement with UNESCO in areas of shared interest and relevance encompassing education, cultural heritage, environment and the sciences.
Recalling the country’s long standing close relations with UNESCO since the early days of the organization, Ambassador Gunasekera referred to the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s membership of the UN body which will be commemorated in 2024. Director General Azoulay welcomed Sri Lanka’s strong and abiding ties with UNESCO as a testimony to the enduring significance of the organization to member states.
The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s collaboration with UNESCO in sectors of relevance and the means of further enhancing existing cooperation. Director General Azoulay appreciated Sri Lanka’s valued contribution and commitment to UNESCO, and expressed her support towards the country’s continued engagement with the organization.
Ambassador Gunasekera also holds the post of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France. She is a career diplomat with 27 years in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Paris
28 March 2023
