HE Rohitha Bogollagama met the Rt Hon. Ranil Jayawardena, Conservative Party Member of Parliament for Northeast Hampshire, United Kingdom

The High Commissioner met Rt. Hon. Ranil Jayawardena on 10 January 2024 at the at the House of Commons. The High Commissioner and the Parliamentarian discussed an array of topics of mutual interest which include contemporary international relations, constitutional reforms, diaspora engagement and the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner briefed MP Jayawardena on the evolution of the Constitution of Sri Lanka in the changing political landscape and its approaches to devolve power to the periphery. Two dignitaries had a lengthy conversation on constitutional amendments and governance in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the of United Kingdom-Sri Lanka relations, MP Jayawardena talked on the shifting of the stand of the United Kingdom Government on Sri Lanka since immediate post conflict. “Many things have changed” he added. While recognizing the constructive approach of the Government of Sri Lanka in rebuilding the North & East, he argued that the Sri Lankan diaspora in the United Kingdom could become a vital force in development of Sri Lanka.

They also exchanged views on strengthening UK – Sri Lanka economic relations, supporting expansion of the clean energy in Sri Lanka and boosting air connectivity between two countries.

The Rt. Hon. Ranil Jayawardena served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary for International Trade from May 2020 to September 2022, and as Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs from September 6 to October 25, 2022.

High Commission of Sri Lanka
London

11 January 2024