Indian High Commission felicitates Sri Lankan staff

Several Sri Lankan nationals working at the High Commission of India were felicitated recently in recognition of their longstanding and dedicated services. 

Two of the longest serving personnel Mala Gamage and Neil Joseph Regis – with a service of more than 30 years each, were offered return air tickets to India and special cash support for visiting India. Shirani Sritharan, Sujatha Hettiarachchi, Niranjala Manori Joseph, and Lakshi Samarawickrema were accorded promotions for their services.

India’s High Commissioner Gopal Baglay thanked the Sri Lankan staff for their outstanding work at the High Commission. He stressed that their contribution to the High Commission helped the objective of strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations, especially in aspects directly related to the people, such as development cooperation in Sri Lanka, travel, trade and commerce.

Around 50% of the High Commission’s staff comprises of Sri Lankan nationals. Similarly, a considerable proportion of personnel in India’s Consulate Generals in Hambantota and Jaffna, and Assistant High Commission in Kandy are also recruited locally. They come from diverse social, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the pluralistic nature of both India and Sri Lanka.