Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka Miyon Lee shares her story on how determination, hard work and a sense of duty for her country helped her achieve her goals . Throughout her illustrious career. Ambassador Miyon, has been a steadfast advocate for peace, pushing for stronger economic and cultural ties between countries she serves facilitating diplomacy.

Affable,charming and proud to be in Sri Lanka, she is dedicated to strengthening the diplomatic relationship between Sri Lanka and South Korea focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade,commerce and culture.

She brings a common touch to each interaction,expressing an genuine interest in each person she spoke about the shared values between Sri Lanka and South Korea

Her first impression of Sri Lanka is that it is a beautiful country. However, the true beauty of Sri Lanka lies in its people, she said. Despite the countries being thousands of miles apart, Sri Lankan’s rich legacy provides a perfect reason for admiration.

By Zanita Careem

What is your single biggest factor in your success~ what was your most difficult obstacle?

I have been working as a career diplomat for the past 31 years since 1993, and became ambassador to Sri Lanka last year in June. I’m very much indebted to the support and prayer of my family for being able to represent my country. Without the support from my parents, husband and children, I would not have been able to keep up with this challenging work.

Likewise, the biggest obstacle in pursuing this career has been balancing work and family life, especially because you have to make sure your children adapt well to new schools, friends and languages. Growing up as a diplomatic kid myself, I understand how much they have to endure to cope with the new environment.

My career path has been concentrated on economic diplomacy – participating in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations such as FTA, OECD, APEC and WTO. Being able to participate in the making of trade policies and execute economic diplomacy to eliminate trade and investment barriers for our companies has been the most rewarding work, because you can see concrete outcome – of course the impact could be harsh when you are dealing with sudden imposition of trade restrictions or supply chain disruptions.

The importance of economic diplomacy will further rise as the world meets increasing challenges from geo-economic fragmentations.

As a woman how do you plan to advance basic rights of woman?

I was the only female out of 30 in my batch, and the 10th female to pass the higher Foreign Service exam. Given the small number of women, there was a strong bond of sisterhood, and as mentors and mentees, we tried to encourage each other to adjust to the male-dominated working environment and exchange tips on how to manage private lives. Now women take more than majority of the new recruits, but it does not mean they face less obstacles in work. I follow the footsteps of my seniors and mentors to help my junior colleagues adjust well in their jobs.

Despite the efforts to increase gender equality in women workforce through laws and civil activities, Korea’s wage disparity still remains wide, women participation in the legislative body and high-level administrative positions needs further improvement, and women remain vulnerable against hate crimes and sexual harassments.

The challenge is how to well reflect gender equality when planning projects, organize meetings, and manage offices. For this we need men’s full support and understanding as well, because we can be whole with men and women working in harmony.

Why are women important in the future of effective diplomacy?

I always boast of women’s multi-tasking capacity, developed from juggling various tasks simultaneously in the workforce and at home. Women’s presence in every aspect and fields of diplomacy gives balance and added efficiency from accelerated communications, comprehensive understandings, and inclusive decision making, in addition to colorful and positive vibes.

I envy a strong presence of women leadership in Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry with experiences as Ambassadors and high-level positions, and look forward to their greater contributions to Sri Lanka’s Diplomacy. I also celebrate the appointment of Prime Minister Haruni Amarasuriya and wish for her successful tenure.

Throughout your career, no doubt you’ve met many influential people?

I was fortunate to attend policy making process presided by the President or bilateral or multilateral summits, and watch first-hand the speeches and attitudes of world leaders. I realized then that the greatest virtue of the true leaders was humility and empathy generously shown to the people around you. Experts call it “confident humility.”

Who intrigued you the most and why?

One of the most powerful women leaders I met was Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during the election campaign for the WTO Director-General in 2020. A Nigerian-American economist, she has been known as a global finance expert, economist and international development professional with 40 years of experience working around the globe. She is also famous for her Nigerian traditional dresses. However, she was not a “trade expert” from the Geneva perspective, and regarded misfit for the job. However, she showed her brilliance in absorbing complex trade issues with her in-depth experiences, intellectual power, injecting new perspectives with vigor. She became the first woman and African to head the WTO. I was then campaigning for our Korean Trade Minister.

What do you think has been the most memorable day or event of your career?

There are times when you face challenges and difficulties that you cannot find solution, feeling helpless. In addition to securing the safety of your people, Korean diplomats also have the responsibility to ensure safe transport of North Korean defectors to Korea. There was one occasion where I had to help release three North Korean teenagers caught by the local police and jailed, and safely transport them to Korea. There was another occasion where a group of women were jailed for months. Sometimes, I would wonder whether they have all happily adjusted to the new life in Korea.

Have you been harassed or discriminated against?

Korean officers at every level in the foreign ministry and other government organizations are required to receive education on the issue of sexual harassments in the office and how to handle them. The education reminded me of such unpleasant occasions that I put up with.

We are also raised to accept discriminations as social norms or tradition. Women wearing pant suits were once regarded rebellious in the foreign ministry, and I had to argue with my father. Now it sounds very absurd, but there might still be the social norm imposed to women that may give women extra discomfort and discrimination. We should not be afraid of raising voices on the discomfort and gender bias that restrict our freedom of choice.

Are you happy to be in Sri Lanka and have you faced any challenges in maintaining diplomatic relations between South Korea and Sri Lanka?

I barely knew of Sri Lanka, other than the Ceylon tea, and people would ask me about Tamil tigers, Tsunami, Easter Bomb attack, Aragalaya when I said I was posted to Colombo. But Sri Lanka proved to be the hidden pearl of the Indian Ocean, with charming people, beautiful sceneries, and delicious food.

The diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka are only 47 years, shorter compared to others’, but our friendship has expanded and deepened very fast. I meet people of diverse fields speaking Korean language and interacting with Koreans for business opportunities and cultural exchanges.

Of course, Sri Lanka is still suffering from the series of economic shocks, and I am still struggling to bring back Korean companies who left Sri Lanka to seek preferential investment offers, quality workforce and better logistical locations. Yet I admire the resilience, and the potentials Sri Lanka has shown, and I would like to see the new government establish streamlined rules and regulations to attract foreign investment, activate single window for trade, eliminate trade barriers, and enhance transparency. Korean investors are always ready to come back where businesses can flourish.

Sri Lanka has a long cultural history. Any resemblance between Sri Lanka and South Korea you wish to comment?

The Korean Peninsula is only 1.53 times bigger than Sri Lanka, with 70% mountainous terrain and 30% plains. The Peninsula shares the border with China, but North Korea (DPRK) makes South Korea (ROK) technically an island surrounded by the seas.

Korea’s long history of military and cultural interactions with Continental China, 36 years of colonial rule by Japan, followed by the devastation from three years of the Korean War over ideology and power seems to have played out in semblance to the history of Sri Lanka.

The similarities do not stop here. We are the people of resilience and generosity, with the sense of humor and love for art and partying. We are the perfect match, and that’s why Koreans who come to Sri Lanka don’t want to leave.

Thilini Kumari Shehara , who represented Sri Lanka won the first place at the prestigious Miss International 2024 beauty pageant held in Indonesia at the scenic Island of Bali.

She competed with many contestants from 20 counties around the world. Known for her acting prowess Thilini has been the winner of many beauty pageants, in Sri Lanka. Hailing from Kandy, Pilimatalawe, she holds a degree in Bachelor of Arts from the University of Kelaniya. She has a string of many qualifications and now she reads for her PhD in Philosophy in Education.

Thilini Kumari’s journey from clinching the many prestigious titles, her illustrious career today is nothing short of inspiring. Through her hard work dedication and unwavering faith, she has carved a path that has not only defined her success but has also inspired countless others.

In this interview, she reflects on the highlights and challenges that have shaped her remarkable journey. An actress, TV star and a brand ambassadors for several prestigious brands. Thilini was also the winner of Miss Tourism in 2024.

A multifaceted personality Thilini, worked hard to lose weight, get in shape, improve her speech and build confidence.

With her mesmerizing and impeccable sense of style, Thilini never let the limelight define her.

When asked about her , Thilini said she will continue with her studies but will use her platform to advocate numerous social causes and programmes on women’s empowerment. Her dignified presence and strong moral compass have made her an enduring icon of compassion and determination

This sizzling beauty with brains stunned the audience in an stunning evening gown for the national dress parade.

An old girl of Mahamaya Central College, she is a beauty with brain. She is very much grateful to SriLankan Airlines for sponsoring an air ticket to Indonesia.

We’re thrilled to announce the return of Marriott’s Road to Give! Now in its 10th year, this initiative brings together associates, guests, and well-wishers from across the Asia Pacific to move for a greater cause said a press release.

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, supports SOS Children’s Village in Galle through a special walk and beach run. Join us as we raise funds to enrich the lives of these deserving children said a release.