Vernon Mendis
Vernon Mendis  | |
|---|---|
| 12th Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Kingdom | |
| In office 1975–1977  | |
| Preceded by | Tilak Goonaratne | 
| Succeeded by | Noel Wimalasena | 
| Sri Lankan Ambassador to Canada | |
| In office December 1977 – 1980  | |
| Preceded by | Henry Thambiah | 
| Succeeded by | Rodney Vandergert | 
| Sri Lankan Ambassador to France | |
| In office ?–?  | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 December 1925 British Ceylon  | 
| Died | 23 June 2010 (aged 84) | 
| Spouse | Padma Mendis | 
| Children | Harish & Dayalini | 
| Alma mater | University of Ceylon | 
| Profession | Diplomat | 
Deshamanya Vernon Loraine Benjamin Mendis (5 December 1925 – 23 June 2010) was a prominent Sri Lankan diplomat, who served as the United Nations' Special Envoy to the Middle East. He is referred to as the Sri Lanka's Father of Diplomacy due to his role in formation of the country's diplomatic service and has served as Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Canada; Ambassador to France, Cuba and Secretary General of the Non Aligned Movement.