Sri Lanka Business Council hosts grand welcome for new envoy in UAE

• Prof. Arusha Cooray becomes first female Ambassador from Sri Lanka to the Gulf region

Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Professor Arusha Cooray

Sri Lanka’s Consul General Alexis Gunasekara

The Sri Lanka Business Council (SLBC) in the UAE hosted an elegant and well-attended welcome reception at the Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre to honour Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Professor Arusha Cooray.

She was accompanied by her husband, Priyantha Cooray, whose presence added warmth to the occasion.

The evening opened with the rhythmic beats of traditional Sri Lankan drums and cultural performances, setting the tone for a warm and dignified celebration. In attendance were members of the Sri Lankan business community, the Consul General Alexis Gunasekara, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests.

SLBC Chairman Suren Swaminathan delivered a heartfelt and impactful welcome address. He reflected on his long-standing experience in the UAE, having arrived shortly after diplomatic ties were established between the two countries. He recalled Sri Lanka’s then Ambassador the late Gauthamadasa, as “a fine diplomat and a friend to all,” and remarked — to much appreciation from the audience — that “over the years, we have seen many ambassadors pass through these doors — some who came to serve, and others, quite frankly, who came to be served.”

Swaminathan warmly welcomed the Ambassador, praising her as a trailblazer and the first female Ambassador from Sri Lanka to the Gulf region. He spoke of the long-standing cooperation between the SLBC, the Embassy, and the Consulate, and reiterated the Council’s apolitical commitment to serving its members and the country. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of Alexis Gunasekara, who personally led a strong business delegation to Sri Lanka two years ago, and thanked former Chargé d’Affaires Thakshila Arnolda, for her dedicated service.

SLBC Chairman Suren Swaminathan

SLBC Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff

Following the Chairman, Consul General Alexis Gunasekara echoed the sentiments expressed and spoke about the distinguished academic and diplomatic background of the Ambassador. He emphasised the significance of continued collaboration to deepen trade and bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE.

Professor Arusha Cooray, in her address, thanked the Chairman and the Board of Directors for the gracious reception. She highlighted the important role of the SLBC in fostering economic ties and expressed her commitment to working closely with the Council to enhance trade, tourism, and imports. Her remarks reflected clarity of purpose and a strong vision for the future of Sri Lanka-UAE relations.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Vice Chairman Shihan Sheriff, who commended the organising committee for delivering such a refined and meaningful event within just one week — a testament to the dedication and unity of the SLBC team.

The reception concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting, after which Chairman Swaminathan personally escorted the Ambassador to each table, introducing her to the VIP guests and attendees.

A special note of appreciation was extended to Accor Hotels Regional General Manager Dr. Nishan Silva under which Pullman Creek City Centre operates, and his outstanding team for their exceptional hospitality.

The evening was flawlessly compered by Lakna Godahena and Kasun Segera, whose professionalism and presence were widely appreciated.

The event marked a significant beginning to what is expected to be a productive and collaborative chapter in Sri Lanka-UAE diplomatic and economic relations.