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FM hails late French ambassador’s non-interfering diplomatic demeanour
View(s):Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Friday paid respect to the late French Ambassador, John Francois Pactet, describing him as an envoy whose demeanour and commitment to non-interference in Sri Lanka’s internal matters without overstepping boundaries earned him the admiration and trust of the host nation.
Speaking at the memorial service in remembrance of the late ambassador at St. Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya (Colombo 4), Minister Sabry said the ambassador’s legacy stands “as a testament to the power of diplomacy grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.”
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry addressing the memorial service in remembrance of the late French Ambassador John Francois Pactet (see portrait). Below: A section of the diplomatic community members who attended the service. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Ambassador Pactet died in his sleep at his official residence in Colombo last weekend. In his short period in Sri Lanka, he had a dignified demeanour and served with distinction and dedication, the minister said in his eulogy. The ambassador believed in “genuine partnership,” always seeking to strengthen bilateral relations without overstepping boundaries, he added.
Minister Sabry referred to the ambassador’s passion for diplomacy, which was evident in every action of his, showed a genuine interest in Sri Lankan culture and heritage, and was a beloved figure in the country. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of diplomats in their pursuit of global peace and cooperation, the minister added.
Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardene addressed the diplomatic corps present in French.
The late Ambassador Pactet was a Chevalier in the National Order of Merit and holder of the Medal of Honour for Foreign Affairs of France.
The memorial service was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Embassy of France.
The diplomatic corps, honorary consuls, and members of the French community gathered on Friday to pay tribute to the late ambassador.
Chargé d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Colombo, Marie-Noëlle Duris, addressed the event honouring the late ambassador.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, conducted the memorial service.
On Thursday, May 30, Minister Sabry visited the French Embassy in Colombo to write his condolence message. “The late Ambassador has contributed profoundly during his tenure in celebrating many watershed moments in the history of our bilateral relations, including the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, conveying the inaugural bilateral political consultations, and arranging the first-ever visit by a French President to Sri Lanka,” Minister Sabry wrote in his condolence message.
Born in 1970, Ambassador Pactet was a former Deputy Director of Culture and Education at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also served as a Deputy Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The late ambassador was in charge of the Foreign Ministry’s policy on global health, gender equality, and education and supervised French contributions to multilateral funds in these fields between 2016 and 2019.
Ambassador Pactet also served at the French Embassy to the United States in Washington between 2012 and 2016 and as the permanent representative of the French delegation to NATO in Brussels.
In a news release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its deepest condolences to the government of the French Republic, the French Embassy in Colombo, and the family, friends, and colleagues of the late ambassador.
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