The newly appointed Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to the Republic of France and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, assumed duties at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris on Thursday, 02 July 2026. His assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organised by the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy.

In his address to the Embassy staff, the Ambassador-designate highlighted the longstanding, vibrant relations between Sri Lanka and France, noting several milestones in recent years and the upcoming high-level visit. He emphasized the need to improve service delivery for those seeking consular assistance and to further elevate trade, investment, and tourism ties. He noted the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in the maritime domain. He stressed the significance of maintaining an efficient and effective consular service by the Embassy for Sri Lankan nationals and the community of Sri Lankan heritage residing in France.

On the same day, Mathieu Carmona, Director Adjoint of State Protocol and Diplomatic Events Directorate of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, met with Ambassador-designate Gunaratna at the Embassy. The Director Adjoint warmly welcomed the Ambassador-designate, extending his best wishes and assuring him of his fullest cooperation, as well as that of the French Foreign Ministry, during his tenure in France. Ambassador-designate Gunaratna presented the open copy of the Letter of Credence of his appointment to the Director Adjoint and deeply appreciated the warm reception and kind sentiments expressed.

Ambassador-designate Gunaratna has served in various portfolios in the Sri Lanka Foreign Service over a career spanning more than 25 years. He most recently served as the Director General, Europe and North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka. He has previously served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the African Union, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, and as Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Ambassador-designate Gunaratna is a Bachelor of Science graduate from the University of Colombo and holds a Master's degree from the same university. He also has post-graduate qualifications from Centennial College, Toronto, Canada. Ambassador-designate Gunaratna is an old boy of St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Paris

02 July 2026