By Sarath Dissanayake –

A Diplomat Par Excellence – a phrase one seldom hears in this day and age, but a phrase that so aptly resonates with the life and legacy of Ambassador Nihal Rodrigo. He was a role model and a true son of Sri Lanka for his contemporaries, friends, and fellow juniors. Above all, he was rich in the divine qualities of boundless love, kindness, and compassion, proving to be a human being par excellence—worthy of the highest respect, admiration, and emulation.

We deeply mourn the passing of this towering figure in Sri Lankan diplomacy who left an indelible mark on global and regional affairs. Ambassador Rodrigo was an illustrious career diplomat. As the former Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka and the Secretary-General of SAARC (1999–2002), he championed the cause of South Asian unity with unmatched wisdom, grace, and intellect. Throughout his decorated career, he also represented his nation with great distinction as Ambassador to China and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Indeed, his remarkable tenure as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York was particularly noteworthy, during which he served his country with distinction and pride. His steadfast leadership at the United Nations culminated in an elevated global standing for Sri Lanka, enabling the nation to shine through numerous profound successes and achievements.

Towering Figure as First Lankan SG/SAARC (1999 – 2002)

Being a multilateral specialist, Ambassador Rodrigo possessed immense acumen in multilateral diplomacy and global affairs. He represented Sri Lanka at nearly all major multilateral forums at the United Nations and parallel stakeholder conferences. His profound knowledge, expertise, and experience spoke volumes, marking him as an indispensable figure, a versatile intellect, and a true visionary. He was widely celebrated for his unique knack for navigating uncharted territories and waters, consistently emerging as a champion for his nation in the multilateral arena.

He also made history by serving as the first Sri Lankan Secretary-General of SAARC at a time when South Asian countries were navigating inherent regional challenges, institutional weaknesses, and structural setbacks. His leadership at the helm of the Secretariat enabled the group to speak with one cohesive voice at international fora on matters affecting its collective and shared interests. His legacy as Secretary-General from 1999 to 2002 remains one of the brightest chapters in the organization’s history, highlighting Sri Lanka’s catalyst role as a prime mover in the spirit of true regional cooperation.

Unmatched Legacy as Foreign Secretary (2002 – 2004)

During his tenure as Foreign Secretary, he was also instrumental in convening the historic 2003 Tokyo Donor Conference hosted by Japan. Representing the Sri Lankan delegation, he did a remarkable job of persuading international partners, culminating in a mammoth $4 billion pledge towards Sri Lanka’s reconstruction and recovery efforts.

My nostalgic memories of Ambassador Rodrigo are certainly ones of pride, vivid and memorable to say the least. I recall serving as Deputy in Tokyo when he visited Japan in June 2003 for the “Tokyo Donor Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka”, I became deeply fascinated by his style, leadership qualities, vision, profound sense of the spirit of Sri Lanka, and his signature calm composure.

Nostalgic Memories of Tokyo Donor Conference Success (2003)

In fact, his choice of me to serve as his Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Beijing was entirely personal, accidental, and anecdotal. After observing my work ethic and dedication during his brief stay in Tokyo, he granted me an extension in Japan on his own volition until the end of 2004. As I reached my final weeks in Tokyo, Ambassador Rodrigo—who was then serving as Foreign Secretary—called me directly. He offered an immediate, back-to-back cross-posting to Beijing to serve as his deputy, an opportunity from the Foreign Secretary that I could not resist.

That cross-posting from Tokyo to Beijing became a foundational chapter of my career. Working closely alongside him, I learned immensely from his vast wealth of experience. His outstanding trajectory as a versatile administrator, SAARC Secretary-General, and Permanent Representative to the UN in New York truly spoke for itself, defining him as a consummate all-round diplomat who mastered multifaceted responsibilities with absolute poise.

Unexpected Cross Posting to Beijing and Anecdotes

My first-hand experience serving as his deputy in Beijing was deeply fascinating, inspirational, and profound. He possessed a tactful mind, sharp acumen, and a strategic mindset, representing Sri Lanka in China with absolute perfection, steadfastness, and stature—a true reflection of his lifelong dedication and experience as an illustrious son of Sri Lanka. Working alongside him brought to mind his remarkable execution and profound work ethics in managing two historic state visits to China: by President Kumaratunga in 2005 and President Rajapaksa in 2007. Both high-level visits yielded tremendous tangible benefits for our nation, culminating in a combined total of 15 groundbreaking agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed.

Ambassador Rodrigo’s Groundbreaking Post-Tsunami Crisis Diplomacy

His leadership during the post-2004-Tsunami remains an enduring testimony to his unwavering resolve and serves as a masterclass in crisis diplomacy. Serving as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China when the disaster struck, he unleashed his full energy to mobilize the Chinese leadership, local citizens, and key well-wishers. Through his sustained fundraising and resource campaigns, Sri Lanka secured unprecedented support and commitment in the form of funds, donations, critical materials, and technical support for Sri Lanka’s Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (3R) efforts. This historic mobilization helped make China the largest donor to the recovery, cementing a legacy of profound dedication to his nation in its darkest hour. He will be remembered as a generous mentor and a dedicated public servant whose lifelong commitment to international cooperation remains an enduring legacy.

A Lasting Legacy, Unassuming Modesty and Wholesome Virtues

Ambassador Rodrigo was loved and respected for his unassuming personality, modesty, and wholesome virtues. Honesty was his motto, balanced perfectly by his signature composure and steady temperament. I doubt there is an individual among his close acquaintances who ever witnessed him in an angry mood or being short-tempered. He was a truly gifted person—enriched and overflowing with humanity, reflecting a rare human spirit that appears to be diminishing at a rapid pace in today’s world.

He was a source of boundless inspiration and unlimited strength to his loved ones, including his wife, Mrs. Chithra Rodrigo, his son, Ambassador Satya, and his daughter, alongside his vast circle of friends and colleagues. He remained inseparable from their lives throughout, and the void created by his passing will be deemed infinite by all who knew and held him in high esteem.

The Buddhist Perspective on Inevitability

Death—as the Buddha has so clearly enunciated—is nothing but the inescapable truth and ultimate destiny of all beings. Given its inevitability, we, as Buddhists, choose not to grieve, but rather to summon the courage to celebrate the exemplary life and times of the late Ambassador Rodrigo. In his passing, we have lost a gem of a person who will be deeply missed by all. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. May his departed soul Rest In Peace!

*Sarath Dissanayake – The writer is a retired Ambassador and Foreign Ministry Spokesman. He can be reached at schandrad@hotmail.com