Sri Lanka appoints his first Muslim ambassador to Qatar
Roshan Sithara Khan Azard has just written a new page in Diplomatic History of Sri Lanka. This experienced diplomat presented her letters of debt on Monday to the Emir of Qatar, Cheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, thus becoming the first Muslim woman to occupy the position of ambassador in the history of the country.
Pioneer since her debut, Ms. Khan Azard had already made an impression in 1998 by becoming the first Muslim woman to integrate the Sri Lankan diplomatic service. Her exemplary journey has led her in several prestigious positions, notably in London, Chennai and Ottawa, where she carried out the functions of assistant high commissioner.
“I will do everything to serve the Sri Lankan community in Qatar and strengthen bilateral links between our two countries,” said the new ambassador, who already knows Qatar well for having held the post of assistant mission chef. This appointment reflects the desire to open up and modernize Sri Lankan diplomacy, as pointed out by Niluka Kadirgammuwa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcoming the arrival of an “experienced diplomat” in this strategic post .