Australia’s new High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, has chosen lentils, cricket, and trishaw rides as his grand diplomatic opening act – because nothing says foreign policy like inspecting dal and playing cover drives in Pettah.
The new Australian envoy arrived in Colombo with a social media-friendly charm offensive, hopping into a trishaw to “experience the real city” before heading to Pettah Market. There, he proudly inspected sacks of imported Australian lentils, reminding locals of their origin, before declaring them “Very good” over a roadside breakfast of coconut rotis, red rice, and curry.
Duckworth did not stop at food diplomacy. Donning an Australian cricket jersey, he showcased his “batting skills” and couldn’t resist the cheeky line: “We all know that there is nothing like beating India at cricket for Australians and Sri Lankans!” A dig at India, or a diplomatic masterstroke? Opinions may differ, but the crowd lapped it up.
The High Commissioner also toured the Port of Colombo and Australian-backed knowledge-sharing facilities, before returning to social media with videos highlighting his whirlwind Colombo sampler tour. It was part charm, part soft power, and part lentil marketing pitch rolled into one.
While seasoned diplomats may debate whether this style amounts to diplomacy or a publicity stunt, Sri Lankans seem entertained by the “nice guy envoy” who knows how to mix cricket with curry, and soft power with soft rotis.
