Permanent Representative Sumith Dassanayake reaffirms Sri Lanka’s continued cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador  Sumith Dassanayake held a constructive meeting with the United Nations High  Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Barham Salih at the UNHCR headquarters in  Geneva on 17 July 2026. The high-level meeting focused on reviewing ongoing assistance for  refugees and further strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UN Refugee  Agency. 

During the discussion, both parties acknowledged the long-standing and constructive working  relationship between Sri Lanka and the UNHCR. Permanent Representative Sumith  Dassanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued engagement with the Agency  on matters of sustainable return and reintegration, as well as addressing the regional  displacement challenges. 

High Commissioner Barham Salih expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka's continued  collaboration with UNHCR and commended the country’s ongoing efforts to promote long term social and economic stability and social cohesion. 

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintaining active dialogue and  deepening cooperation in support of shared humanitarian objectives and sustainable solutions  for refugees. 

High Commissioner Barham Salih was elected to the post by the United Nations General  Assembly in December 2025 for a 5-year term. He also served as the President of Iraq from  2018-2022.