France’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Jean-François Pactet, has died at his official residence in Rajagiriya, police said. The police have commenced an investigation into the death of the Ambassador, and a Magistrate will investigate the circumstances of his death.
The 53-year-old ambassador has not woken up as usual this morning. According to the Police sources since today is a Sunday the staff have waited some time but Mr Pactet has not turned up. Finally, they have informed the Police and entered into his official residence. He was found dead in the afternoon when the rooms of the official residence were opened and inspected, the police said. He is said to have died due to a sudden illness and the police have started an investigation into the ambassador’s death. The magistrate will also hold an inquiry into his death.
Jean-François Pactet, born in 1970, has been the French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives since October 2022.
A veteran diplomat, Packet previously served as Deputy Director of Culture and Education at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he expanded French language and cultural centers globally and supported international cooperation among French cultural and academic institutions.
Between 2016 and 2019, he managed the Ministry’s policies on global health, gender equality, and education, as well as French contributions to related multilateral funds.
Earlier, Pactet worked at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. (2012-2016) and the French Permanent Representation to NATO in Brussels. He also served as Deputy Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Making an official announcement via the X (Twitter) handle the French Embassy in Colombo said that the embassy will notify the funeral details as soon as possible.
