Sri Lanka at UNESCO

Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO holds Farewell Meeting with Director-General of UNESCO. The Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, held a farewell meeting with the Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. During the meeting, the Director-General presented the Ambassador with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her active engagement and valuable contribution to UNESCO’s programme of work during her tenure. He commended her leadership and Sri Lanka’s proactive role within the Organization, including its service as a Member of the Executive Board. Recalling the longstanding, strong bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Egypt, rooted in Non-Aligned (NAM) tenets, Dr. El-Enany conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka for their support in his election as Director-General in November 2025. The Ambassador expressed Sri Lanka’s deep appreciation for the Director-General’s leadership in facilitating UNESCO’s timely support to the country in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, through a consultative and responsive process. She also conveyed her gratitude for the support extended by Member States and the Secretariat in the adoption of the landmark resolution establishing the Annual Commemoration of the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO, at the 43rd General Conference. She acknowledged UNESCO’s valued contribution in hosting the International Expert Conference on the World Heritage Site and Sacred City of Anuradhapura in April 2025, which was attended by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Ambassador highlighted the longstanding high-level engagement between Sri Lanka and UNESCO, noting the visits to the country by successive Directors-General over several decades. She looked forward to a visit by Dr. El-Enany to Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time in the future, and conveyed the compliments of the Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Discussion also focused on the UNESCO 80 reform process; the strengthening of field operations, particularly the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia; Sri Lanka’s membership in the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee Leaders’ Group; and progress relating to the South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD). The Ambassador welcomed the renewal of SACTD’s Category 2 Centre status for a further eight years from 2026, as approved by UNESCO’s 222nd Executive Board. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ambassador presented the Director-General with a bottle of Sri Lanka’s organic “kithul” treacle, in recognition of the recent inscription of Sri Lanka’s ancient indigenous technology of “kithul” tapping on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH). The Ambassador was accompanied by the Minister of the Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO, Rifa Wadood. Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO Paris, France 26th February 2026 #ICH #diplomaylk @UNESCO @KhaledElEnany @ManiGunasekera @unescoindia @SriUnesco

💧 The global water crisis affects everyone, but not equally. Women and girls play a central role in water, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making and leadership. Inclusive water governance is essential to build resilience and ensure safe water for all. Through its global programmes, UNESCO supports countries in advancing gender equality in water management. unesco.org/en/days/world-…

🌿 Bundala Biosphere Reserve

🌿 Kanneliya–Dediyagala–Nakiyadeniya Biosphere Reserve Located in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, the Kanneliya–Dediyagala–Nakiyadeniya (KDN) Biosphere Reserve was designated on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2004.

🌿 Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve Designated on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 1978, this reserve lies across the Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka.

🌿 Hurulu Biosphere Reserve Designated on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 1977, Hurulu Biosphere Reserve lies in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province.

On #InternationalWomensDay, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to advancing rights, justice and action for all women and girls. Across many parts of the world, women and girls continue to face persistent inequalities — in access to education, employment, leadership, economic resources and participation in cultural and scientific life. These inequalities weaken not only individuals, but entire societies. As one of @UNESCO’s global priorities, gender equality guides our work across education, science, culture, communication and information. From supporting countries to reform education policies, to promoting women’s leadership in science and artificial intelligence, #UNESCO works with its Member States and partners to ensure that the rights of women and girls become a lived reality. Because advancing gender equality is essential for sustainable development, shared innovation and lasting peace. #ForAllWomenAndGirls #ForThePeople #GenderEquality

#InternationalWomensDay2026 #DiplomacyLK #lka

#SriLanka is honoured to be among the members announced for the @UNESCO SDG 4 – Education 2030 High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC) for 2026 – 2027, the apex global coordination body guiding progress on SDG 4. Co-chaired by the @UNESCO Director-General and a Head of State or Government, composed of Member States, regional organizations, multilateral institutions, civil society, youth, teachers, and financing partners, the HLSC drives strategic direction, fosters high-level advocacy, and strengthens accountability for global education. This announcement comes at a critical juncture, with just five years remaining to achieve the targets of the 2030 Agenda, yet the world remains off track in meeting global education commitments. At this decisive moment, the HLSC plays a key role in accelerating progress, strengthening political leadership, and advancing sustainable financing for education. As the global community enters the final stretch to achieve #LeadingSDG4, Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive, equitable, and quality education by contributing to strengthened political will, collective action, and sustainable financing– towards 2030 and beyond in partnership with the international community. Read More: unesco.org/sdg4education2… @MFA_SriLanka @ManiGunasekera @SriUnesco @unescoindia

Congratulations to #Bangladesh and Ambassador Khondker Mohammad Talha for leading this year’s celebrations of International Mother Language Day with @UNESCO, reaffirming longstanding leadership in advancing linguistic and cultural diversity, multilingualism and multilingual #education, and highlighting the vital role of youth in sustaining linguistic diversity for our shared future and peace. #SriLanka was pleased to contribute to the vibrant celebrations, as is customary, through the performance of the Lee Keli dance, showcasing the richness of our cultural heritage and the profound link between language, identity and living traditions. @BDatUnesco @President43G @SLinFrance @ManiGunasekera @SteGiannini @SriUnesco

@MFA_SriLanka #DiplomacyLk #lka

Attended the #AIImpactSummit 2026 in New Delhi today. Focused on steering Artificial Intelligence toward a future that serves all humanity. In my address, I emphasised that technology must be a tool to elevate, not erode, our cultural values and human capabilities. The future of civilisation depends on this balance.

President @anuradisanayake participated in the #AIImpactSummit 2026 in New Delhi today. Addressing the leaders' session, the President asserted that AI technology must be harnessed to promote cultural values and enhance the capabilities of human civilisation, ensuring responsible use for the global good.

Always good to catch up with Tim Curtis, Director, @UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia in New Delhi, and discuss implementation of UNESCO projects in Sri Lanka. I conveyed SriLanka’s deep appreciation to Tim and his team for their excellent and prompt coordination of UNESCO support and technical assistance to SrI Lanka in the aftermath of cyclone Ditwah.  @SLatUNESCO @MFA @unescoindia @SriUnesco

🇮🇳 Prime Minister @narendramodi welcoming 🇱🇰 President @anuradisanayake at the dinner hosted on the eve of the #India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. A warm gesture ahead of tomorrow’s discussions on artificial intelligence and the future of digital innovation. #AIImpactSummit

🇱🇰🤝🇮🇳 President Anura Kumara Disanayaka arrives in India today for the AI Impact Summit 2026 - the first summit of its kind to be hosted in the Global South. At a time when emerging technologies are reshaping economies and societies, Sri Lanka’s participation reflects the depth and priority of the India - Sri Lanka partnership, and our shared commitment to ensuring innovation remains inclusive, responsible and people-centred. Building on the President’s landmark State Visit in December 2024 and the joint vision “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future,” Sri Lanka and India have sustained momentum across connectivity, economic engagement, digital cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties. As one of the South Asian leaders present, the President’s participation underscores both the closeness of our relationship and our commitment to working together on issues that will shape the future. Rooted in proximity, strengthened by trust, and guided by practical cooperation, the India - Sri Lanka partnership continues to evolve with purpose. 📸 December 2024 | State Visit to India #SriLanka #India #SriLankaIndia #AIImpactSummit #AISummit #Partnership

The Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of #SriLanka to @UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, held farewell meetings with the President of the 43rd General Conference, Ambassador Khondker Mohammad Talha, and the Chairperson of the Executive Board, Ambassador Nasser Hamad Al-Hinzab, at UNESCO Headquarters on 9 and 10 February 2026. The discussions focused on UNESCO’s ongoing reform agenda and matters of collective interest within the Organization’s programme of work. Ambassador Gunasekera conveyed her deep appreciation for the support, solidarity, and counsel extended to her and to the Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka by the President and the Chairperson during her tenure. She reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to UNESCO’s mandate and to continued proactive engagement in advancing the Organization’s mission of peace and sustainable development. The Ambassador also underscored the importance Sri Lanka attaches to strengthening UNESCO’s field presence in the country. The President and the Chairperson expressed their appreciation to the Ambassador for Sri Lanka’s proactive contribution as a Member of the Executive Board, including its role in the annual commemoration of the International Day of Vesak at UNESCO, among other initiatives, during her tenure. The Ambassador was accompanied to the meetings by the Minister, Permanent Delegation of Sri Lanka to UNESCO Rifa Wadood. @UNESCO @ManiGunasekera @President43G @EXBChairperson @unescoindia @SriUnesco

Sri Lanka Embassy in Paris Celebrates 78th Independence Day with French Dignitaries and the Sri Lankan Community in France The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris celebrated the 78th Anniversary of the country’s Independence with the Sri Lankan community in France on Saturday, 07thFebruary 2026, at Palais de l'Épi d'Or in Villejuif, Val-de-Marne. The colourful celebrations, organised under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” brought together professionals, the business community, association leaders, artists, teachers, students, and children and youth, representing three generations of the vibrant Sri Lankan community in France. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, accompanied by Magul Bera. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem, and the chanting of Jayamangala Gathaby students of the Dhamma Chakka Daham School in France, the latter to invoke universal blessings. A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of national heroes and those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, as well as those who lost their lives in natural disasters, including cyclone Ditwah. Multi-faith observances were conducted by religious dignitaries representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Islamic faiths. Independence Day messages of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath were read in Sinhala, Tamil, and English languages, by Embassy staff. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Manisha Gunasekera extended the Government’s deep appreciation and gratitude to the Sri Lankan community in France for their generous and heartfelt contribution to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in the immediate aftermath of cyclone Ditwah. Detailing the Government’s commitment to rebuilding Sri Lanka through a medium- to long-term national plan of action, the Ambassador also conveyed appreciation for the support extended by the French Government, the European Union, and UNESCO. She highlighted key developments in the Sri Lanka–France bilateral partnership over the past year, noting the positive momentum generated through high-level engagements at presidential and prime ministerial levels; the strengthening of trade, investment, and tourism ties, including flagship partnerships such as Michelinand Orange Marine; and the synergetic role of the Sri Lankan business community in France in deepening bilateral economic cooperation. Member of the France–Sri Lanka Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, Christine Engrand, addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour from the French Parliament. Hon. Engrand reflected on her long-standing personal connection with Sri Lanka, a country which she first visited in 1996, and has since visited over a dozen times. Highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions, she shared personal memories of the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity. She praised the resilience and fortitude of the Sri Lankan people, and extended her best wishes to Sri Lanka for a bright and prosperous future on its 78thIndependence Day. The Guest of Honour from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director David Péneau, Head of the South Asia Division in the Directorate for Asia and the Indian Ocean, referred to the multifaceted nature of the France–Sri Lanka partnership, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. Highlighting cooperation in climate action and ocean affairs, he commended Sri Lanka’s role as a founding member in contributing to the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction in January 2026, marking a historic milestone in ocean governance. He also underscored cooperation in the Indian Ocean and maritime domain, and praised the Sri Lankan diaspora in France as a valued contributor to strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries. The celebrations were further enriched by a vibrant cultural programme reflecting Sri Lanka’s pluralistic, multicultural, and inclusive social fabric. Performances included a Kandyan and folk fusion dance by the Thisaravi Dance Academy; Bharata Natyam recitals Pushpanjali and Kavadiby the Gurukshetra Academy; a modern interpretation of Lee Keli dance choreographed by the Sridesi Dance Academy; and a majestic traditional Ves dance by the Thala Dance Academy. Patriotic songs were beautifully rendered by children of the Our Lady of Lanka Catholic Community Association, and staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in France. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem in Tamil. Following the ceremonial proceedings, Dana was offered to the Maha Sangha and religious dignitaries. The celebrations concluded with a reception featuring traditional kiribath, Sri Lankan sweetmeats, and Ceylon Tea. Over 350 invitees participated in the event, marking a memorable day of unity, harmony and national pride. Embassy of Sri Lanka Paris, France 11 February 2026