Embassy History
Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates were established in July, 1979, and the Resident Mission was opened in Abu Dhabi on 19th July 1979, with a Charge d’ Affairs as Head of Mission. Later in 1983, the Mission was upgraded to the Ambassadorial level.
The underlying principle for opening a resident Mission in 1979 was the presence of a large number of Sri Lankans working in UAE. At present, it is estimated that around 150,000 Sri Lankans are residing in UAE working in various sectors, including Banking & Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Paramedics, Hospitality industry, constructions etc, while the majority is employed in the domestic sector. While focusing on labour with special emphasis on promoting bilateral trade, investments, tourism and financial sector co-operation are the key areas of interest.
The Consulate Office in Dubai was opened in August 1993, and it was upgraded to Consulate General Status in 1999. The Consulate General in Dubai is also primarily concerned with the welfare of a large number of Sri Lankans in Dubai and Northern Emirates.
The bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and UAE are marked by warmth and cordiality. Both countries have entered into several bilateral agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which include Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion in 2003, Air Services Agreement between Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates in 2000, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the field of Manpower Recruitment in 2007, which are significant.
Former UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan visited Sri Lanka in 1976 as Head of the country’s delegation for the NAM Summit, and His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksha, former President of Sri Lanka visited UAE in January 2014. The First Sri Lanka-UAE Joint Commission was held in Abu Dhabi in 2014.
Ambassador H.E. Udaya Indrarathna
Udaya Indrarathna, the Serving Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates, is a Renowned Board Member, Senior Advisor, CEO & Mentor /Executive Coach with over 25 years of Proven expertise in Senior Management roles in Government and Multi-Billion Dollar Corporate Sectors and an Expert in the multi-sectoral large Family Business Domain.
Udaya, nicknamed “Game Changer” is a Strategic Catalyst and has a rare career trajectory of being an Executive Director for the Dubai Government for more than ten years, A Senior Advisor to Abu Dhabi Government for more than 5 years, A Vertical CEO of the Multi-Billion Dollar Global Conglomerate and as
an ICF-accredited, world-class executive coach for CEO’s and Aspiring CEO’s. His coaching is centered around his own academia “The 7 DAY Mini-MBA” programme, which is a one-of-a-kind strategic tool.
highly celebrated by he’s world-class roster of CEO students. As the former Executive Director of Policy & Strategy for the Government of Dubai and as a Senior Advisor to the Government of Abu Dhabi, He was instrumental in building extensive trade representative offices worldwide, including USA, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Sweden, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, India, and Russia. He’s Renowned & Recognized as one of the Most Prolific Go-to-Market Strategy Experts in Tourism & Trade.
Udaya is a Sri Lankan Born-Canadian, A Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Leicester, UK and an MSc in Marketing from Birmingham University, UK. Additionally, Indrarathna is a Certified Transformational Executive Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation, USA & a Certified Operational Analyst from Cornell University, USA.
Embassy Staff
Mr.Udaya Indrarathna
Ambassador
Direct: 0097126315252
Email: slemb.abudhabi@mfa.gov.lk
Ms. Thakshila N Arnolda
Head of Chancery/Minister Counsellor
Direct : +971 26322129
Email : thakshila.arnolda@mfa.gov.lk
Mr D.M Gamini
First Secretary (Consular & Labour Welfare)
Direct : +971 26325335
Email : gamini.uae.emb@gmail.com
Ms. M.C. Uhanovitage
Third Secretary (Employment & Welfare/ SLBFE)
Direct : +971 26332271
Email : uae.third.sec@gmail.com
Ms. J. S. Dilmini
Attaché
Direct : 0097126316444/ Ext – 206
Email : slemb.abudhabi@mfa.gov.lk
Office Hours & Holidays
The Embassy is open for the public from Monday to Friday, 9.00 A.M – 2.00 P.M. The Embassy is closed on Saturday, Sunday and declared holidays observed by the Embassy
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