- Professor Arusha Cooray is the first female Ambassador representing Sri Lanka in the Gulf region
| Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Professor Arusha Cooray |
| Sri Lanka’s Consul General Alexis Gunasekara |
In the UAE, the Sri Lanka Business Council (SLBC) organized a delightful welcome event at the Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre to celebrate the appointment of Professor Arusha Cooray as the new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
Her husband, Priyantha Cooray, was present, contributing to the event’s warm atmosphere.
The evening commenced with traditional Sri Lankan drum rhythms and cultural displays, establishing a spirited and honorable ambiance. The gathering included members of the Sri Lankan business sector, Consul General Alexis Gunasekara, diplomats, and other notable attendees.
SLBC Chairman Suren Swaminathan delivered a heartfelt welcome, sharing memories of his experiences in the UAE since shortly after diplomatic relations began. He reminisced about the late Gauthamadasa, Sri Lanka’s former Ambassador, acknowledging him as “a remarkable diplomat and a cherished friend.” This prompted much appreciation from the audience as he commented, “Over the years, we have seen many ambassadors pass through these doors—some committed to serving and others, frankly, here to be served.”
Swaminathan extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Cooray, commending her groundbreaking achievement of being the first female Ambassador from Sri Lanka to the Gulf region. He emphasized the strong partnership between the SLBC, the Embassy, and the Consulate and reiterated the Council’s non-political dedication to supporting its members and the nation. He also recognized Alexis Gunasekara’s leadership in a successful business delegation to Sri Lanka two years ago and expressed gratitude to former Chargé d’Affaires Thakshila Arnolda for her excellent service.
| SLBC Chairman Suren Swaminathan |
| SLBC Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff |
Following the Chairman’s address, Consul General Alexis Gunasekara shared similar sentiments, highlighting Ambassador Cooray’s distinguished academic and diplomatic qualifications. He underscored the importance of ongoing cooperation to strengthen trade and bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
In her speech, Professor Arusha Cooray expressed gratitude to the Chairman and the Board of Directors for their warm welcome. She underscored the SLBC’s crucial role in advancing economic connections and expressed her eagerness to collaborate closely with the Council to boost trade, tourism, and imports. Her comments reflected a clear purpose and a promising vision for the future of Sri Lanka’s relations with the UAE.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff, who praised the organizing committee for their efficient coordination of such a graceful and significant event in just a week—demonstrating the SLBC team’s dedication and solidarity.
The reception featured a ceremonial cake cutting, after which Chairman Swaminathan personally introduced the Ambassador to all VIP guests and attendees at each table.
A special acknowledgment was made to Dr. Nishan Silva, Regional General Manager of Accor Hotels, the organization operating Pullman Creek City Centre, along with his exceptional team for their outstanding service.
The splendid evening was skillfully hosted by Lakna Godahena and Kasun Segera, whose professionalism was well-regarded.
This event signifies a promising beginning for a fruitful and collaborative chapter in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the UAE.