High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi hosted an International Women’s Day event titled “Unfiltered: Her Story | Her Truth” on 10 March 2026 at the Residence of the High Commissioner, in collaboration with Diplomatist Magazine.

Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for External Affairs of India, attended the event as Chief Guest. The programme brought together participants from diplomatic, academic, corporate and social sectors for an afternoon of discussion and reflection on women’s experiences, leadership and resilience.

While Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi engaged candidly with questions from the audience, the High Commissioner, in her remarks as host, spoke about the importance of women’s leadership, and the need to ensure equal opportunities that allow women to participate fully in shaping societies and institutions.

The programme featured a series of fireside conversations under themes such as “Her Firsts”, “What Women Wish Men Knew”, “Failure, Not Success”, and “Letters to Your Younger Selves”. Speakers and participants shared personal experiences and reflections on leadership, overcoming challenges, professional journey and resilience.

Speakers included Amb. Veena Sikri (former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh), Prof. (Dr.) Swasti Rao (Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Global Initiatives, Jindal School of International Affairs, OP Jindal University), Ms. Samia Israt Ronee (Minister, Bangladesh High Commission in India), Ms. Poonam Dabas (Founding Trustee at Centre for Media & Strategic Studies), Ms. Bogusia Dhingra (Head Marketing & PR, Defence Bakery Pvt. Ltd.), Ms. Shivani Malhotra (Partner & MD, Positive Vibes Consulting Pvt. Ltd.), Dr. Bidisha Bhattacharya (Associate Fellow, Chintan Research Foundation) and Ms. Sakshi Shree (Policy Consultant, YOUNGO - UNFCCC's Children and Youth Constituency).

During the event, Prof. Neera Chandhoke (former Professor at University of Delhi and visiting Professor at IIT Delhi), Dr. Ranjana Kumari (Director, Center for Social Research, Ms. Shahnaz Husain (Founder, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Shahnaz Husain Group), and Amb. Veena Sikri (former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Vice Chairperson of the South Asia Foundation) were felicitated for their contributions to leadership, mentorship and social impact.

The occasion also marked the launch of Diplomatist Magazine’s Women’s Special Edition.

 
High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi

12 March 2026