DUBAI:Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador-designate to the United Arab Emirates, Professor Arusha Cooray, was warmly welcomed at a function hosted in Dubai by the Sri Lanka Business Council in the UAE, marking a significant milestone, as she prepares to formally step into her role as the country’s first female ambassador to the Emirates. The event was attended by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Alexi Gunasekera, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Business Council, Suren Swaminathan, members of the Sri Lankan community and the diplomatic corps in the UAE.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador-designate Arusha Cooray paid tribute to the vital contributions made by Sri Lankan expatriates in fostering economic and cultural relations between the two nations. “You are not just business leaders, you are ambassadors of Sri Lanka’s talent and potential,” she told the audience, highlighting how Sri Lankans have excelled across diverse industries, from trade to services, and have played a pivotal role in enriching the UAE’s economic landscape. The significance of the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UAE, estimated at over 300,000 strong, cannot be overstated, serving as a crucial bridge linking the economies and cultures of both countries.
The evening began with a traditional cultural performance, setting the tone for a celebration of community and camaraderie. Prof. Cooray reflected on the resilience and unity of Sri Lankans in the UAE, especially during times of adversity such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis. She emphasised the “admirable” support offered by the community to their compatriots during these testing periods, noting that such solidarity- combined with remittances and investments -has been instrumental in reinforcing bilateral economic ties.
She also highlighted the Sri Lankan government’s current reform agenda, which aims to build a more inclusive and resilient economy. Citing the recent Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement signed during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to the UAE, she underscored new opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, tourism, and digital infrastructure – sectors poised to benefit from enhanced collaboration.
With remittances from the Middle East accounting for a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s foreign income, Ambassador-designate Cooray stressed the need for continued workforce development and upskilling to further amplify this impact. She identified tourism as another area of untapped potential, urging greater efforts to attract visitors from the UAE.
Prof. Cooray concluded by lauding the Sri Lanka Business Council’s ongoing role in mentoring entrepreneurs and promoting Sri Lankan goods and services, urging the council to continue its advocacy in support of the nation’s economic ambitions.
The event was also addressed by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Alexi Gunasekera and SLBC Chairman, Suren Swaminathan. The Vice Chairman of SLBC, Shihan Sheriff delivered the vote of thanks.
Ambassador-designate Cooray brings to her post an impressive academic and international portfolio. With a PhD in Economics from the University of New South Wales, she has served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway, Finland, and Iceland, and previously held senior academic positions at James Cook University and other leading institutions globally. Her expertise in international finance, political economy, and development, supported by an extensive record of research and publication, uniquely positions her to deepen the multifaceted ties between Sri Lanka and the UAE.
