Australian Assistant Secretary in Department of Defence Pays Courtesy Call on Army Chief

Mr Tom Manadue, Assistant Secretary Global Interests Branch in the International Policy Division of the Department of Defence Australia, currently in Sri Lanka paid a courtesy call on General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army on Thursday (17) at the Army HQ, Sri Jayewardenepura, together with the Australian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka H.E. David Holly, Defence Adviser at the Australian High Commission Captain Ian Cain and an accompanying official.

Matters of bilateral relevance, regional interest, security, defence cooperation, COVID 19 prevention work and ever-growing bonds of defence understanding with all South Asian countries, were reviewed briefly during this cordial meet. All agreed to further foster sustenance of continued bonds of goodwill between both nations and asserted the importance of the regional peace in future, too.

The visiting Assistant Secretary Global Interests Branch leads Australia's defence relationship with countries in South Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and organizations, such as NATO and the United Nations, inclusive of Australia's engagement in peacekeeping operations.

Towards the end of the interaction, General Shavendra Silva leaving memories of his visit to the Army HQ awarded a memento to Mr Tom Manadue, Assistant Secretary Global Interests Branch in the International Policy Division of the Department of Defence, Australia. The envoy also left compliments in the Visitors' Book at the Commander's office, prior to his departure.

Prior to joining Defence, Mr Tom Manadue had a long career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). His most recent role in DFAT was as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Crisis Preparedness and Management Branch in 2020-21. In this position, he played a central part in leading DFAT’s consular response to the COVID-19 crisis, including to assist Australians to return home. From October 2017 to 2020, he was Director of the Consular Information and Communication Section, and managed the government’s travel advice service through the Smart traveller website.