The Ambassador and Permanent Representative-designate of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Austria and to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Vienna, Dayani Mendis, assumed duties at the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Vienna on 22 June 2026. 

Following the assumption of duties, the Ambassador-designate addressed the staff, outlining the priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka. She underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Austria, as well as with the accredited countries of Bosnia, Chechia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia, while promoting trade, investment, and tourism. She also emphasized the need for professionalism, commitment, and teamwork in advancing Sri Lanka’s interests and delivering tangible benefits to the people of Sri Lanka. 

Having joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in January 2000, Ambassador-designate Dayani Mendis has over 26 years of bilateral and multilateral experience. She has previously served at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C., the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra, the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Vienna, and the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva, where she held the post of Deputy Permanent Representative. 

During her career, Ambassador-designate Dayani Mendis has served in various capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. Prior to assuming duties in Vienna, she served as Acting Additional Secretary of the United Nations and Human Rights Division and thereafter in the SAARC Division. 

She holds a Master of Arts in International Politics from American University, an Executive Master’s in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights from the Geneva Academy, and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English from the University of Colombo. 

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Vienna

23 June 2026