Nimal Bandara (Diplomat)

Menik Hitihamy Mudiyanselage Nimal Bandara (born 4 April 1968) is a Sri Lankan diplomat and author, currently serving as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to the State of Israel.
Early Life and Education
Bandara was born in Badulla, Sri Lanka. He graduated from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and holds a Master of Science degree in Information Management from the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). He has also undergone professional training in India, China, Malaysia, and the United States.
Diplomatic Career
Bandara joined the Sri Lanka Foreign Service in 2000. His overseas assignments have included postings at Sri Lankan missions in:
* Beijing, China
* The Hague, Netherlands
* Islamabad, Pakistan
* Baghdad, Iraq
* Kathmandu, Nepal
* Sydney, Australia
* Nicosia, Cyprus
He also served as the Sri Lankan Director at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal, and held the positions of Consul General in Sydney, Australia, and in the Republic of Cyprus. Prior to his current appointment, he was the Director General of the East Asia and SAARC Divisions at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador to Israel
In May 2023, Bandara presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, officially commencing his role as Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Israel. During the ceremony, discussions were held on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as science, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
Amid regional tensions, Bandara has actively worked to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan nationals in Israel. In October 2024, he confirmed that no Sri Lankans were harmed during missile attacks and advised the community to minimize travel and remain vigilant. He has also been involved in addressing labor issues concerning Sri Lankan workers in Israel.
Authorship
In September 2024, Bandara launched his book titled Mahanuwara Rajyathanthrika Sambandatha (Diplomatic Relations of the Kingdom of Kandy), which explores the historical diplomatic ties of the Kingdom of Kandy. The book was dedicated to Bernard Anton Bandara Goonathilake, a former Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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