Nimal Bandara (Diplomat)

Last updated
His Excellency
Nimal Bandara
Nimal Bandara.jpg
Born
Menik Hitihamy Mudiyanselage Nimal Bandara

(1968-04-04) April 4, 1968 (age 57)
Badulla
Nationality Sri Lanka
Alma mater University of Sri Jayewardenepura
OccupationDiplomat
Years active2000–present

Menik Hitihamy Mudiyanselage Nimal Bandara (born 4 April 1968) is a Sri Lankan diplomat, author and journalist, currently serving as Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Israel. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

Bandara was born in Badulla, Sri Lanka. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and holds an MSc in Information Management from the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). [2] He has also received professional training in India, China, Malaysia, and the United States.

Diplomatic career

Bandara joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2000. He has served in various diplomatic capacities, including:

He was later appointed Director General of the East Asia and SAARC Divisions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [7]

Ambassador to Israel

Bandara assumed his current post in May 2023 after presenting credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog. [8]

During the Israel–Gaza conflict, Bandara played a key role in safeguarding Sri Lankan nationals. Over 11,000 Sri Lankans were advised on safety measures. [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

In 2023–24, he oversaw labour cooperation initiatives that enabled hundreds of Sri Lankans to join the Israeli construction sector. [16] [17] [18]

Authorship

In September 2024, Bandara published Mahanuwara Rajyathanthrika Sambandatha, a 494-page academic work on the diplomatic history of the Kingdom of Kandy (1582–1815). [19]

He is also the author of several other titles in Sinhala including:

Adventure Stores for Young Readers:

Travel Memories:

Translations:

History:


These works are published by Sooriya Publishers and are referenced in literary discussions on platforms like eLanka. [20]

Bandara has contributed essays and op-eds to Sri Lankan newspapers on Astrology, historical, diplomatic, and cultural themes. [21] [22] [23]

References

  1. ↑ "The New Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Israel Nimal Bandara presents Credentials to Israel President Isaac Herzog" . Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  2. ↑ "The New Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Israel Nimal Bandara presents Credentials to Israel President Isaac Herzog – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism" . Retrieved 2025-06-05.
  3. ↑ Newspaper, From the (2011-03-23). "Buddhist relics awe Sri Lankan delegation" . Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  4. ↑ Iqbal, Mohammed (2016-10-14). "Sufism can act as an antidote to terrorism: Arjun Ram Meghwal". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2025-06-05.
  5. ↑ "Boost Your Business: Don't Miss the Trade Promotional Event in Queensland!". 2020-03-13. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  6. ↑ "Cyprus, Sri Lanka enhance bilateral relations" . Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  7. ↑ "The New Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Israel Nimal Bandara presents Credentials to Israel President Isaac Herzog – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism" . Retrieved 2025-06-05.
  8. ↑ "Ambassador of Sri Lanka Meets Chairperson of Israel – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group" . Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  9. ↑ "8,000 Sri Lankans in Israel so far willing to stay on; 27 leave northern Gaza". EconomyNext. 2023-10-17. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
  10. ↑ Timsit, Annabelle; Shih, Gerry; Berger, Miriam; Balousha, Hazem; DeYoung, Karen; Brown, Cate; Bisset, Victoria (2023-10-11). "People from 35 countries killed, missing in Israel-Gaza war: What to know". The Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2025-06-05.
  11. ↑ Walpola, Thilina (2023-11-05). "Ambassador Nimal Bandara: Lankan nationals trapped in Gaza Strip granted exit via Rafah Border crossing" . Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  12. ↑ "Sri Lankan Ambassador confirms safety of Sri Lankans amid Israel conflict" . Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  13. ↑ "Over 11,000 Sri Lankans in Israel Advised to Stay Safe" . Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  14. ↑ "SL workers in Israel unharmed amid Iran missile strikes, Ambassador confirms" . Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  15. ↑ "Sri Lankan Ambassador urges Sri Lankans in Israel to minimize travel" . Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  16. ↑ "Celebrating Israel-Sri Lanka ties with a direct flight - comment". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2023-09-01. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  17. ↑ "447 Sri Lankans to Begin Employment in Israel's Construction Sector" . Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  18. ↑ "Sri Lankan workers plug gap in Israeli labor force". 2023-12-17. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  19. ↑ Walpola, Thilina (2024-09-15). "Ambassador Nimal Bandara to launch book on Kandy's Diplomatic History" . Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  20. ↑ "Book Launch by Nimal Bandara" . Retrieved 2025-06-03.
  21. ↑ Bandara, Nimal. "Gods, Goddesses, Sun, Moon and us: Literature on astrology" . Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  22. ↑ Bandara, Nimal. "Monumental mount: Historical legends of Narangala mountain range" . Retrieved 2025-06-04.
  23. ↑ "Sri Lanka women's contribution to diplomacy and international relations" . Retrieved 2025-06-03.
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