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 Prof. Arusha Cooray
Arusha Cooray is Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. She has previously served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway, Finland, and Iceland.
From an academic background, Arusha holds a PhD in Economics from the University of New South Wales. Prior to her diplomatic appointment, she was a Professor of Finance and Head of Discipline at James Cook University. Her academic career spans several countries, having held teaching and research positions in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, the UAE, and Sri Lanka.
She has also held visiting positions at institutions such as the University of Oxford, the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development in Geneva, the Centre for Poverty, Equity, and Growth in Developing Countries in Gottingen, the Institute of Policy Studies in Sri Lanka, the Australian National University, and Macquarie University in Australia.
An applied macroeconomist, Arusha’s research interests include international finance, political economy, and development. She has published extensively in these fields and holds an honorary professorship at Mamun University in Uzbekistan.
Embassy Staff
Prof. Arusha Cooray
Ambassador – Designate
Direct : +971 2 631 5252
Email : arusha.vinodhini@mfa.gov.lk
Ms. Thakshila N Arnolda
Head of Chancery & Minister Counsellor
Direct : +971 26322129
Email :Â 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 &Â 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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