Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, Dayani
Mendis presents credentials to the Director General of UNIDO
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, Dayani Mendis,
presented credentials to the Director General of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organization (UNIDO), Gerd Müller, in Vienna on 22 July 2026.
Ambassador Mendis expressed appreciation for the cooperation and technical
assistance provided by UNIDO, a longstanding development partner, and conveyed Sri
Lanka’s interest in furthering the engagement. She also briefed on Sri Lanka’s
economic recovery and stabilization, the Government’s policies on structural reforms,
and efforts toward economic transformation through the development of
entrepreneurship, building a value‑added industrial system, supporting SMEs, engaging
private entrepreneurs, alleviating rural poverty, and advancing women’s empowerment.
The Director General welcomed this update, observing that such progress strengthens
Sri Lanka’s standing with international agencies and development partners. He
identified Sri Lanka’s tea industry as a sector with strong potential, noting that expanded
cooperation could support the country’s wider industrial objectives. Reviewing the
UNIDO Country Programme for Sri Lanka (2021–2027), the Director General referred to
several priority areas identified for future collaboration as part of UNIDO’s engagement
with Sri Lanka.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhance the partnership between
Sri Lanka and UNIDO.
Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Vienna
24 th July 2026