The US Embassy in Sri Lanka announced that Eric Meyer has officially been sworn in at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., as the next U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka.

“On behalf of the entire Embassy team, we warmly congratulate him! We look forward to working under his leadership to deepen the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka, advancing our shared interests and priorities,” the Embassy said in a statement.

Meyer, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, most recently served as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. at the U.S. Mission to Norway, overseeing operations at the Embassy in Oslo and the American Presence Post in Tromsø—the only U.S. diplomatic post in the Arctic.

From January to August 2025, he was Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, coordinating U.S. policy priorities across the region. His prior assignments include Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. and Deputy Chief of Mission in Skopje, North Macedonia; U.S. Consul General in Almaty, Kazakhstan; Consul General and acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Consul in Helsinki, Finland, where he served on the Fulbright Commission board.

Earlier postings saw him as Vice Consul in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Cultural Affairs Officer in Cairo, Egypt. In Washington, Meyer worked as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and as an advisor in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs during the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

Before joining the State Department, Meyer worked in corporate sales and government relations in the airline industry. He holds a Political Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from Georgetown University. A recipient of multiple State Department Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards, Meyer is fluent in Danish, French, Russian, and Spanish. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador to Israel, Saman Chandrasiri, formally presented his Letter of Credence to President Isaac Herzog at Beit HaNassi, the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel, President Herzog extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Chandrasiri, wishing him success in his assignment. He fondly recalled the visit to Sri Lanka by his late father, former President Chaim Herzog, and highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Acknowledging Sri Lanka’s contribution to Israel’s economy, President Herzog praised the role of Sri Lankan workers and described labour relations between the two countries as a mutually beneficial partnership. He also noted Sri Lanka’s popularity among Israeli travellers, who value its natural beauty, hospitality, and memorable experiences.

Ambassador Chandrasiri conveyed greetings from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the people of Sri Lanka, expressing interest in expanding cooperation in agricultural technology, defence, and trade. He emphasized that strong people-to-people ties provide a solid foundation for broadening collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Bringing 25 years of public service experience, Ambassador Chandrasiri has served in the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Prior to his appointment, he worked as Manager – Training and Development, focusing on capacity-building, migration management, and international cooperation. He has also acted as a liaison with diplomatic missions in Colombo and served as a resource person for the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and Sri Lanka Police. He holds a Bachelor of Science Special Degree in Business Administration from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. (Newswire)

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The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Belarus, Shobini Gunasekera, presented Letters of Credence to the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, at a ceremony held at the Independence Palace in Minsk.

According to the Sri Lanka Embassy in Moscow, the ceremony brought together ten newly appointed Ambassadors from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Japan, North Korea, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Somalia and Tanzania who formally assumed their diplomatic functions, reflecting Belarus’ continued engagement with the international community. 

The proceedings were conducted in accordance with established diplomatic protocol and marked the official commencement of the Ambassador’s duties in Belarus.

In his address to the assembled Ambassadors following the presentation of credentials, the President of Belarus underscored his government’s readiness to work closely with all countries represented. He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration in addressing global and regional challenges.

Notably, the President highlighted the longstanding educational ties between Sri Lanka and Belarus, observing that approximately one in five doctors in Sri Lanka have received their medical education in Belarus. In this regard, he encouraged the Ambassadors present to consider Belarus as a competitive and reputable destination for higher education, particularly in the field of medicine.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Ambassador Gunasekera discussed with the Foreign Ministry officials of Belarus about proposed high-level visits, convening of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade in the latter half of 2026 and the establishment of possible regular flights between the two countries upon the signing of the proposed Air Services Agreement and further strengthening education co-operation.  

Such prospective engagements are expected to further enhance bilateral relations and provide an opportunity to explore cooperation in areas such as education, trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Gunasekera also conveyed warm greetings and best wishes of the President and the people of Sri Lanka to the President and the people of Belarus and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding and friendly relations with Belarus.

The Sri Lanka Embassy added that the presentation of Letters of Credence marks an important step in advancing diplomatic ties and further consolidating cooperation between Sri Lanka and Belarus at both bilateral and multilateral levels. (Newswire)

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine would be grateful to Sri Lanka for more active support in ensuring a just and lasting peace in the country based on the UN Charter and international law.

President Zelenskyy made the remark during a meeting held on Monday (24 Mar) after receiving the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Ukraine.

The President congratulated the newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador on the beginning of diplomatic missions in Ukraine and expressed hope for the activation of cooperation between the countries.

During his conversation with the Sri Lankan Ambassador, the President noted that Ukraine is holding constructive negotiations with the United States and is ready to do everything possible to achieve peace as soon as possible. 

Our country has proposed steps that would lay the necessary foundation for further negotiations and expects support for this position from other states.

The President also mentioned that Ukraine is interested in developing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, education, food security, and medical rehabilitation. (Newswire)

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Three overseas diplomats appointed to Sri Lankan presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today. 

Accordingly, the Government of the State of Palestine with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Ihab I.M. Khalil as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka based in Colombo. 

The Government of Nepal with the agreement of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Purna Bahadur Nepali as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Nepal to Sri Lanka based in Colombo. 

Furthermore, the Government of the French Republic with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed Rémi Lambert as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Sri Lanka based in Colombo. 

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, the three newly appointed Ambassadors presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today. (Newswire)

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The Parliamentary Committee on High Posts has recommended the appointment of a new Ambassador and High Commissioner.

Accordingly, the Committee on High Posts has recommended the name of Ms. Y.K. Gunasekara as the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Australia.

Furthermore, the Committee on High Posts has also recommended the name of Mrs. S.S. Dissanayake as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Committee on High Posts, which met under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday, was attended by the Members of the Committee Ministers Bimal Ratnayake, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni, and MP Nihal Abeysinghe. (Newswire)

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Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, Shobini Gunasekera assumed duties at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow recently (19 Feb). 

According to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow, the occasion also coincided with the 68th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation.

Ambassador Gunasekera is a career diplomat with over 27 years of experience in diplomacy including various assignments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Missions abroad.

Addressing the staff of the Embassy, Ambassador Gunasekera emphasized the time-tested enduring relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation and underlined the strengths and potential to further consolidate the long-standing and friendly bilateral partnership in multiple spheres including political, economic, education, cultural, science and people to people ties.

She also underscored the need to think fresh and work proactively to support the three main pillars of the Government of Sri Lanka: eradication of poverty, digital economy and the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. 

Ambassador Gunasekera joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1998 and served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Assistant Director of Economic Affairs from July 1998 to February 2001; as Deputy Director of Legal Affairs from March 2004 to February 2008; as Acting Director General of East Asia and the Pacific from March 2011 to June 2014; as Director General of Economic, Affairs from August 2017 to January 2018; as Director General of European Union, Commonwealth and Multilateral Treaties from January 2018 to January 2019; as Director General of both UN and the Legal Divisions simultaneously from January 2019 to August 2019, and as Director General of Europe and North America from January 2023 to February 2025. 

In her diplomatic career, she served as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of the Philippines from September 2019 to December 2022. 

The Ambassador’s diplomatic assignments abroad also include working in the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France as the Minister (Deputy Chief of Mission) from June 2014 to August 2017, in the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing as the Minister Counsellor from April 2007 to March 2011, in the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels as the First Secretary from February 2001 to April 2004.

Ambassador Gunasekera holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Colombo. She was admitted to the Bar as an Attorney-at-Law in 1994.  She is a past pupil of Musaeus College, Colombo. (Newswire)

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The newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the State of Qatar, Roshan Sithara Khan Azard, assumed duties at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha on Thursday (Jan 23), becoming Sri Lanka’s first lady Ambassador to the State of Qatar.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha, addressing the staff following the assumption of duties, Ambassador-designate Khan Azard outlined the priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka and plans to strengthen bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Qatar. 

She also emphasized the need to intensify the promotion of trade and investment between the two countries and strengthen people-to-people ties.

A career Sri Lanka Foreign Service Officer, Ambassador-designate Khan Azard joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 1998 and has served in various capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the most recent being as the Additional Secretary for SAARC and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Prior to her assumption of duties in Qatar as the Ambassador-designate, she served at Sri Lanka Missions and Post in London, Chennai, Doha and Ottawa, where she served as the Deputy High Commissioner and Acting High Commissioner.

Ambassador-designate Khan Azard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Peradeniya and a Master’s in English from the University of Madras, India. She is a past pupil of Methodist College, Colombo and has two sons. (Newswire)

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Two newly appointed Ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today.

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt Adel Ibrahim and Ambassador of Japan ISOMATA Akio presented their credentials to the President. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), they also paid courtesy calls on the President following the presentation of credentials. (Newswire)

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All those who were found to be appointed to overseas diplomatic missions through political affiliations during the tenure of the former government have been instructed to return to Sri Lanka before 01 December 2024. 

Government Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath told the media today that some persons had been appointed as Ambassadors and High Commissioners to certain overseas diplomatic missions by the former government.

He further said the appointed individuals are not experienced in foreign services, but not all can be categorized as political appointments.

“Some are those who had held senior designations, such as in the military, while the sons and daughters of some politicians had been appointed to lower positions at diplomatic missions,” the minister revealed.

Minister Vijitha Herath said 15 of those Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been recalled and asked to return to Sri Lanka before 01 December 2024.

He also stated that the sons and daughters of politicians who had received appointments in overseas diplomatic missions have also been recalled as of now. 

“Going forward, such appointments will not be made. Only those experienced in foreign services will be appointed. Due to special requirements, persons from outside the foreign services may also be appointed based on their expertise,” he added. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe received the credentials of two newly appointed High Commissioners and three Ambassadors to Sri Lanka at the President’s House in Colombo on Wednesday (Aug 21).

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the High Commissioners representing the Republic of Zambia and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh presented their credentials to the President. 

Additionally, Ambassadors from the Republic of Lithuania, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar also handed over their credentials.

Below is the list of the new High Commissioners and Ambassadors who presented the credentials to President Wickremesinghe:

1. Ms. Diana Mickeviciene
   Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Lithuania based in New Delhi
2. Ms. Trinh Thi Tam
   Ambassador-designate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Colombo
3. Ms. Marlar Than Htaik
   Ambassador-designate of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar based in Colombo
4. Mr. Percy Patson Chanda
   High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Zambia based in New Delhi
5. Mr. Andalib Elias
   High Commissioner-designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh based in Colombo

After receiving the credentials, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a cordial conversation with the newly appointed Ambassadors and the High Commissioners. (Newswire)

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Fourteen newly appointed foreign diplomats presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Colombo today (June 05).

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the group included five newly appointed High Commissioners and nine Ambassadors to Sri Lanka.

A brief ceremony was organized at the Presidential Palace to officially welcome the new High Commissioners and Ambassadors.

Below is the list of the newly appointed foreign diplomats to Sri Lanka;

• Ambassadors- 

1. Mr. Omar Castañeda Solares – Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala based in New Delhi.
2. Mr. Ali Achoui – Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in New Delhi.
3. Ms. Marje Luup – Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia in New Delhi.
4. Mr. Bounmy Vanmany – Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic based in New Delhi.
5. Mr. Victor Hugo Echeverri – Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia based in New Delhi.

• High Commissioners- 

1. Mr. David Gregory Pine – High Commissioner of the New Zealand based in Colombo.
2. Mr. Semih Lütfü Turgut – Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye based in Colombo.
3. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides – High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus based in New Delhi.
4. Mr. Kevin Kelly – Ambassador of Ireland based in New Delhi.
5. Mr. Masood Imad – High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives based in Colombo.
6. Ms. Aliki Koutsomitopoulou – Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic based in New Delhi.
7. Mr. Abu Bakarr Karim – High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone based in Beijing.
8. Dr. Nikolay Yankov – Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria based in New Delhi.
9. Mr. Haymandoyal Dillum – High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius based in New Delhi.

Following the acceptance of credentials, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in friendly discussions with the new High Commissioners and Ambassadors. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabri along with President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake were also present at the occasion.

Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardena, and other officials also attended the event. (Newswire)

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The Lanka Premier League (LPL) has announced cricket legend Michael Clarke as its brand ambassador for the upcoming 2024 season. 

The tournament will be held from July 1st to 21st, showcasing exciting matches and featuring top-tier cricket talent from around the world. 

According to Tournament Organizers, Clarke, a household name in cricket, brings a wealth of experience to the LPL. A right-handed batsman renowned for his elegance and grit, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s success for over a decade. He captained the national team in both Test and One Day International formats, leading them to a historic victory in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. 

Clarke expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “I can’t wait to get back to Sri Lanka, a country I love playing in. Now, I have the opportunity to not just come and commentate but also to be an ambassador for the LPL. Can’t wait – so much talent, so many young players, and lots of good overseas players. There is no doubt this tournament will continue to be a success.”

Anil Mohan, Chairman of Innovative Production Group FZE, the Event Rights Partner of the Lanka Premier League, warmly welcomed Clarke: “We are thrilled to have Michael Clarke join us as the brand ambassador for LPL 2024. His vast experience, leadership skills, and unwavering passion for the game will undoubtedly inspire players and fans alike. We look forward to his contributions in making this season a truly memorable one.”*

The Lanka Premier League 2024 promises to be an exhilarating event, showcasing the best of cricket with five competitive teams, including the newly restructured Dambulla franchise under new ownership. The tournament aims to nurture emerging talent, foster sportsmanship, and deliver high-quality cricket entertainment for fans around the globe.

The LPL remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of cricketing excellence and integrity. With the support of esteemed figures like Michael Clarke, the league is confident in its mission to celebrate the true spirit of cricket and provide an outstanding experience for players, fans, and all stakeholders. (Newswire)

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The Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka May Elin Stener met Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa for a discussion on Thursday (May 02). 

According to the Opposition Leaders’ Office, the two parties engaged in a lengthy discussion concerning the current situation in Sri Lanka. 

During the discussion, MP Premadasa conveyed to the Norwegian Ambassador the economic crisis facing Sri Lanka and outlined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) plans to address it.

Emphasizing that this year is pivotal in the country’s political landscape due to the upcoming election, MP Premadasa outlined how the SJB intends to rejuvenate the nation post corrupt regime and the establishment of a populist government.

Joining Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa were MPs Niroshan Perera and Kavinda Jayawardena, while joining the Norwegian Ambassador was the second secretary of the Norwegian Embassy, Johan Bjerkem. (Newswire)

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NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake met the Ambassador of Norway in Sri Lanka May-Elin Stener, at the JVP head office on Thursday (May 2).

The second secretary of the Norwegian Embassy John Bjerkem, and the National Executive Members of the National People’s Power Harini Amarasuriya and Vijitha Herath, were also present.

“We discussed at length the economic crisis Sri Lanka is currently facing and the country’s political situation. We also paid attention to the current developments in the national problem and the elections to be held this year” NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

“The Ambassador pointed out that this was her first meeting after she arrived in Sri Lanka, and she would focus on the Norwegian government’s assistance to Sri Lanka and the need to strengthen relations between the two countries.” the NPP leader added. (Newswire)

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Three newly appointed High Commissioners and seven Ambassadors presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a ceremony held at the President’s House in Kandy today (30).

The newly appointed High Commissioners represent the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of Seychelles. 

Meanwhile, the Ambassadors have been appointed to represent the Republic of Panama, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Hellenic Republic, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Peru, the Republic of Korea, and Hungary.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the complete list of the newly appointed High Commissioners and Ambassadors is as follows:

1. Dr. Roger Gopaul
2. High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago based in New Delhi
3. Mr. Eligio Alberto Salas De Leon
   Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Panama based in Ha Noi
4. Mr. Didier Vanderhasselt
   Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Belgium based in New Delhi
5. Prof. (Ms.) Joyce K. Kikafunda
   High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Uganda based in New Delhi
6. Mr. Dimitrios Ioannou
   Ambassador-designate of the Hellenic Republic based in New Delhi
7. Dr. Bassam Al-Khatib
   Ambassador-designate of the Syrian Arab Republic based in New Delhi
8. Mr. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde
   Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Peru based in New Delhi
9. Ms. Lee Miyon
   Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Korea based in Colombo
10. Mr. István Szabó
    Ambassador-designate of Hungary based in New Delhi
11. .Mrs. Lalatiana Accouche -High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Seychelles based in New Delhi (NewsWire)

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