Colombo: The Head of Protection Service Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ms. Karen Whiting, recently met with the Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). The meeting took place at the Defence Ministry on Tuesday, December 3rd.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the Defence Secretary and the UNHCR representatives engaged in a cordial discussion during their meeting. While the details of the conversation were not disclosed, the engagement underscores an ongoing dialogue between Sri Lankan authorities and international organizations focused on protection services and refugee matters in the region. This visit highlights the importance of collaboration and communication between the UNHCR and national defense bodies in addressing regional protection challenges.