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Koreans who visit Sri Lanka don’t want to leave says Ambassador Miyon Lee

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1 year ago

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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.


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Celebration of taste, culture and elegance

Published

20 hours ago

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2025/12/7

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Ambassador Damiano, Jagatheeswaran, Barbara Troila and Ambassador of Vietnam, Trinh Thi Tam

Italian Cuisine Week

This year’s edition of Italian Cuisine Week in Sri Lanka unfolded with unmistakable charm, elegance and flavour as the Italian Embassy introduced a theme that captured the very soul of Italian social life ‘Apertivo and’ Stuzzichini’ This year’s celebration brought together diplomats, food lovers, chefs and Colombo’s society crowd for an evening filled with authenticity, refinement and the unmistakable charm of Italian hospitality.

Hosted at the Italian ambassador’s Residence in Colombo, the evening brought Italy’s golden hour ritual to life, embracing the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality and sophistication of Colombo social scene.

The ambience at the residence of the Italian Ambassador, effortlessly refined, evoked the timeless elegance of Milanese evening culture where ‘Apertivo’ is not just a drink , but a moment of pause, connection and pleasure. Guests were greeted with the aromas of apertivo classics and artisanal stuzzichini,curated specially for this edition. From rustic regional flavours to contemporary interpretations the embassy ‘s tables paid homage to Italy’s diverse culinary landscape.

, Italy’s small bites meant to tempt the palate before meal. Visiting Italian chefs worked alongside Colombo’s leading culinary teams to curate a menu that showcased regional authenticity though elegant bite sized creations. The Italian Ambassador of Italy in Sri Damiano Francovigh welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks on the significant of the theme, highlighting how “Apertivo”embodies the essence of Italy’s culinary identity, simple, social and rooted in tradition.

Sri Lanka’s participation in Italian Cuisine Week for ten consecutive years stands as a testament to the friendship between the two countries. This year focus on ‘Apertivo’ and ‘Stuzzichini’ added a fresh, dimension to that relationship, one that emphasised not only flavours, but shaped cultural values of hospitality, family and warmth. This year’s ‘Apertivo’ and “Stuzzichini’ theme brought a refreshing twist to Italian Cuisine Week. It reminded Sri Lankan guests t hat sometimes the most memorable culinary experiences come not from elaborate feasts but from the simplicity of serving small plates with good company.

Italian Cuisine Week 2025 in Sri Lanka may have showcased flavours, but more importantly it showcased connection and in the warm glow of Colombo’s evening Apertivo came alive not just as an Italian tradition.

(Pix by Dharmasena Wellipitiya)

By Zanita Careem

The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is one of the longest-running thematic reviews promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Founded in 2016 to carry forward the themes of Expo Milano 2015—quality, sustainability, food

safety, territory, biodiversity, identity, and education—the event annually showcases the excellence and global reach of Italy’s food and wine sector.

Since its inauguration, the Week has been celebrated with over 10,000 events in more than 100 countries, ranging from tastings, show cooking and masterclasses to seminars, conferences, exhibitions and business events, with a major inaugural event hosted annually in Rome at the Farnesina, the HQ of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The 10th edition of the Italian Cuisine Week in the World.

In 2025, the Italian Cuisine Week in the World reaches its tenth edition.

The theme chosen for this anniversary is “Italian cuisine between culture, health and innovation.”

This edition highlights Italian cuisine as a mosaic of knowledge and values, where each tile reflects a story about the relationship with food.

The initiatives of the 10th Edition aim to:

promote understanding of Italian cuisine, also in the context of its candidacy for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage;

demonstrate how Italian cuisine represents a healthy, balanced, and sustainable food model, supporting the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes;

emphasize the innovation and research that characterize every stage of the Italian food chain, from production to processing, packaging, distribution, consumption, reuse, and recycling

The following leading hotels in Colombo Amari Colombo, Cinnamon Life, ITC Ratnadipa and The Kingsbury join in the celebration by hosting Italian chefs throughout the Week.

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Life style

Ethical beauty takes centre stage

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20 hours ago

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2025/12/7

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Body Shop team

The Body Shop marked a radiant new chapter in Sri Lanka with the opening of its boutique at One Galle Face Mall, an event that blended conscious beauty, festive sparkle and lifestyle elegance. British born and globally loved beauty brand celebrates ten successful years in Sri lanka with the launch of its new store at the One Galle Face Mall. The event carried an added touch of prestige as the British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick to Sri Lanka attended as the Guest of honour.

His participation elevated the event highlighting the brand’s global influence and underscored the strong UK- Sri Lanka connection behind the Body Shop’s global heritage and ethical values.

Chief guest British Ambassador Andrew Patrick at the Body Shop

Celebrating ten years of the Brand’s presence in the country, the launch became a true milestone in Colombo’s evolving beauty landscape.

Also present were the Body Shop Sri Lanka Director, Kosala Rohana Wickramasinghe, Shriti malhotra, Executive chairperson,Quest Retail.The Body shop South Asia and Vishal Chaturvedi , Chief Revenue Officer-The Body South Asia The boutique showcased the brand’s

complete range from refreshing Tea Tree skin care to the iconic body butters to hair care essentials each product enhancing the Body Shop’s values of cruelty ,fair trade formulation, fair trade ingredients and environmentally mindful packaging.

The store opening also unveiled the much anticipated festive season collection.

With its elegant atmosphere, engaging product experiences and the distinguished present of the British High Commissioner, it was an evening that blended glamour with conscience With its fresh inviting space at Colombo’ premier mall, the Body Shop begins a a new decade of inspiring Sri Lankan consumers to choose greener beauty.

 

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Life style

Ladies’ Night lights up Riyadh

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20 hours ago

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2025/12/7

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Queens of grace

The Cultural Forum of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia brought back Ladies’ Night 2025 on November 7 at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr Hotel. After a hiatus of thirteen years, Riyadh shimmered once again as Ladies’ Night returned – an elegant celebration revived under the chairperson Manel Gamage and her team. The chief guest for the occasion was Azmiya Ameer Ajwad, spouse of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to K. S. A. There were other dignitaries too.

The show stopper was Lisara Fernando finalist from the voice Sri Lankan Seasons, wowed the crowd with her stunning performances. The excitement continued with a lively beauty pageant, where Ilham Shamara Azhar was crowned the beauty queen of the night. Thanks to a thrilling raffle draw, many lucky guests walked away with fabulous prizes, courtesy of generous sponsors.

The evening unfolded with a sense of renewal, empowerment and refined glamour drawing together the women for a night that was both historic and beautifully intimate. From dazzling couture to modern abayas, from soft light installation to curated entertainment, the night carried the unmistakable energy.

Once a cherished annual tradition, Ladies’ Night had long held a special space in Riyadh’s cultural calendar. But due to Covid this event was not held until this year in November. This year it started with a bang. After years Ladies’ Night returned bringing with a burst of colour, confidence and long-awaited camaraderie.

It became a symbol of renewal. This year began with a vibrant surge of energy. The decor blended soft elegance with modern modernity cascading its warm ambient lighting and shimmering accents that turned the venue into a chic, feminine oasis, curated by Shamila Abusally, Praveen Jayasinghe and Hasani Weerarathne setting the perfect atmosphere while compères Rashmi Fernando and Gayan Wijeratne kept the energy high and kept the guests on their toes making the night feel intimate yet grand.

Conversations flowed as freely as laughter. Women from different backgrounds, nationalities and professions came together united by an unspoken bond of joy and renewal. Ladies’ Night reflected a broader narrative of change. Riyadh today is confidently evolving and culturally dynamic.

The event celebrated was honouring traditions while empowering international flair.

As the night drew to a close, there was a shared sense that this event was only the beginning. The applause, the smiles, the sparkles in the air, all hinted at an event that is set to redeem its annual place with renewed purpose in the future. Manel Gamage and her team’s Ladies’ Night in Riyadh became more than a social occasion. It became an emblem of elegance, and reflected a vibrant new chapter of Saudi Arabia’s capital.

Thanks to Nihal Gamage and Nirone Disanayake, too, Ladies’ night proved to be more than event,it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and an unstoppable spirit of Sr Lankan women in Riyadh

In every smile shared every dance step taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sr Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show unstoppable. Ladies’ Night is simply the spotlight that will shine forever .This night proved to be more than an event, it was a triumphant celebration of community, culture and the unstoppable spirit of Sri Lankan women in Riyadh.

In every smile shared, every dance steps taken and every moment owned unapologetically Sri Lankan women in Riyadh continue to show that their spirit is unstoppable. Ladies’ Night was simply the spotlight and the night closed on a note of pride!

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