World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Pioneer diplomat Manel Abeysekera broke ground in Ceylon's foreign service
Manel Abeysekera became the first woman to join what was then called the Ceylon Overseas Service, following her return from studies at Oxford. Her entry into the male-dominated diplomatic corps marked a significant milestone for women in Sri Lanka's public service.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Upon completing her education at Oxford, Abeysekera faced a critical decision about her professional future. Among the opportunities that presented itself was an executive position with Air Ceylon, offered by the airline's then-chairman J.L.M. Fernando, who encouraged her to pursue the role.
However, Abeysekera's career trajectory ultimately led her to the Ceylon Overseas Service, where she would forge a path as the first woman to enter the diplomatic corps. Her appointment represented a watershed moment in Sri Lanka's foreign service, which had previously been exclusively male-dominated.
Abeysekera's groundbreaking career is documented in her autobiography, "Madame-Sir," which provides insights into her experiences navigating the foreign service during its formative years. Her achievements opened doors for subsequent generations of women in Sri Lanka's diplomatic and public service sectors.
The diplomat's legacy extends beyond her pioneering appointment, as she demonstrated that women could excel in roles traditionally reserved for men in Sri Lanka's government institutions during the post-independence period.