It has all the trappings of a modern office - telephones, fax machine and computer. Yet seated within, Ven Madapatha Dhammasara Thera, the 7th Chief Incumbent of the Paramadhamma Chethiya Pirivena and Viharaya focussed on upholding the traditions laid down by his predecessors in instructing student monks in the Buddhist doctrine.

When asked for a comment, Sarah Plötner only gurgles and offers a gummy smile. Focused on turning onto her stomach, clutching her feet and babbling happily, the three-month-old is oblivious to her new surroundings. Not so her parents. The birth of a beautiful daughter and his first ambassadorship has made 2009 a memorable year for Jens Uwe Plötner, the new German Ambassador to Sri Lanka.