Missing a Gem of a Diplomat

As Mr. Suminda Mendis concludes his tenure as the Minister-Counsellor at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria and returns to Colombo, the Sri Lankan community in South Africa bids farewell to an exceptional diplomat whose contribution goes far beyond the formal boundaries of office. In an environment marked by uncertainty, particularly during the prolonged period when no High Commissioner was appointed to the South African mission, Mr. Mendis stepped forward with remarkable composure and professionalism, effectively serving as the Acting High Commissioner. His leadership during this challenging phase ensured continuity, stability, and credibility for Sri Lanka’s diplomatic presence in South Africa.

Mr. Mendis demonstrated a rare blend of strategic vision and human sensitivity. Under his guidance, several initiatives were launched to promote Sri Lanka as a tourism destination, at a time when the global travel industry was struggling to recover. Equally noteworthy were his efforts to explore and expand trade opportunities for Sri Lankan goods and services in South Africa, strengthening economic linkages and opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation. These initiatives reflected not only diplomatic competence but also a deep commitment to advancing national interests in a pragmatic and forward-looking manner.

Beyond formal diplomacy, Mr. Mendis earned immense respect and affection within the diplomatic corps in South Africa, where he was regarded as a collegial, approachable, and principled representative of Sri Lanka. Among the Sri Lankan expatriate community, his role was even more profound. He actively fostered social harmony, bridged divisions, and cultivated a strong sense of unity and belonging. In doing so, he won the hearts of Sri Lankans across generations and backgrounds.

Mrs. Chandrika Edirisinghe, his wife, complemented these efforts with equal grace. Her humility, warmth, and genuine engagement with the community left a lasting impression and strengthened the social fabric surrounding the mission.

As Sri Lanka recalls Mr. Suminda Mendis, South Africa truly feels the absence of a gem of a diplomat whose service combined professionalism, integrity, and humanity in exemplary measure.

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Mr. Suminda Mendis engaged in an in-depth discussion with me regarding the pursuit of a PhD in Indian Ocean Maritime Diplomacy and the Development of Soft Power in Sri Lanka, preferably in an academically advanced environment such as Australia, where this field is particularly strong. We also initiated collaborative work on a joint research paper aligned with this theme. Given Sri Lanka’s evident shortage of high-level expertise in this specialised domain, supporting his doctoral studies would constitute a strategic and worthwhile investment for the country.