Sri Lanka was one of six Asian nations elected in the vote held in Paris to replace 31 members of the board. The other Asian states selected to the board are Malaysia, Soth Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Philippines.

Sri Lanka's permanant representative at the UNESCO, Chithrangani Wagiswara said, "its a victory for sri Lankan foreign policy "

She also said that this is the second time sri lanka has been able to retain its place in the executive council.

The board consists of 58 Member States with a four-year term of office.

Each State Member appoints one representative and may also appoint alternates.

The Executive Board examines the programme of work for the Organization and corresponding budget estimates.

Delighted

It ensures the effective and rational execution of the programme by the Director-General.

Sri lanka will be represented by education minister Susil Premjayanth. Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, the minister said that he was delighted with trust placed by other countries in sri lanka.

He also said that the progress made in the education sector is one of the reasons that made this victory possible.

Minister Premjayanth added that the education ministry intends to implement number of programmes with UNESCO