Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Lebanon, Anura Withanage, paid an official visit to the Headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura on 18 September 2026. The Ambassador was accompanied by Counsellor, Sanath Balasooriya, and Service Assistant to the Ambassador, R.M.T. Dilshan Rathnayake.

Upon arrival at the UNIFIL Headquarters, Ambassador Withanage was accorded a Guard of Honour, followed by an official meeting with Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, Major General Diodato Abagnara. During the meeting, the Ambassador signed the Book of Honour and exchanged gifts with the Force Commander.

Discussions centred on UNIFIL’s role in southern Lebanon and Sri Lanka’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Major General Abagnara conveyed his appreciation for the professionalism, discipline, commitment and dedication of Sri Lankan personnel serving with UNIFIL, particularly those entrusted with the protection of the UNIFIL Headquarters. Ambassador Withanage reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to the principles of the United Nations and international peacekeeping.

In view of the prevailing security situation in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL made special security arrangements for the Ambassador and his delegation, including a military escort and coordination by the relevant operational and liaison branches. The Ambassador expressed his appreciation to Major General Abagnara and UNIFIL personnel for the arrangements made for the safety and security of the delegation.

Following the official engagements, Ambassador Withanage proceeded to the Sri Lankan contingent at Green Hill, where he and his delegation received a warm welcome. Commander of the Sri Lankan Unit at UNIFIL Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Mahesh Pathiraja, together with the officers and personnel of the contingent, hosted the delegation and presented a cultural programme and traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

During his interaction with the contingent, Ambassador Withanage familiarised himself with their operational responsibilities and commended the personnel for performing their duties with professionalism and dedication under challenging conditions in southern Lebanon. Addressing the officers and personnel, he expressed his appreciation for their service and encouraged them to continue discharging their responsibilities with the same professionalism, discipline and commitment. He assured them of the Embassy’s continued support throughout their deployment in Lebanon and emphasised that their service under the United Nations flag brought pride and honour to Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Withanage thanked Lieutenant Colonel Mahesh Pathiraja and the entire contingent for the warm reception, hospitality and arrangements extended to the delegation. He also conveyed his appreciation to the UNIFIL Protocol Branch, security and liaison personnel, and all UNIFIL and Sri Lankan personnel who contributed to the successful coordination of the visit.

The visit reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to United Nations peacekeeping and its appreciation for the contribution of Sri Lankan personnel serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beirut

05 October 2026