The newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera called on the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland on Thursday 29th November 2018 at the Commonwealth Secretariat in Marlborough House. The meeting entailed discussion on issues of mutual interest related to Sri Lanka’s longstanding cooperation within the Commonwealth.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera met with the chaplain to the Sinhalese speaking community in the Archdioceses of Westminster and Southwark Rev. Father Sudam Perera at the Church of St Mary Magdalen in Willesden Green on Wednesday 28th November 2018.
The High Commissioner was accompanied by Counsellor of the High Commission Augustin Christyruban.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London held its Annual Deepavali Celebrations on Friday 16th November 2018, in the High Commission premises.
The celebrations commenced with Hindu religious observances led by Sri Ramanadan Kurukkal who invoked blessings on Sri Lanka and its people. In his address he highlighted the significance of Deepavali and stated that all Sri Lankans should unite irrespective of their religious beliefs to develop the country.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London participated in the annual Commonwealth Fair organised by the Commonwealth Countries League on 10th November 2018. The Sri Lankan stall consisted of traditional sweetmeats, rice and curry, and Ceylon tea.
The fair was held to raise funds for the Commonwealth Girls’ Education Fund to support the education of disadvantaged girls who possess the potential to achieve high academic success despite their financial situation, across the Commonwealth.
Sir Peter Heap KCMG, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Commonwealth Countries League attended the stall.
Sri Lanka Tourism launched its new destination brand identity entitled ‘So Sri Lanka,’ on 5th November 2018 at a gala event at the Grosvenor House London Ballroom, coinciding with the World Travel Market (WTM) 2018. The new brand identity was launched in the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife of Sri Lanka Vasantha Senanayake; Member of the House of Lords the Rt. Hon. Lord Naseby; MP for North-East Hampshire & the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Ranil Jayawardena; Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera; Mayor of Harrow Council Kareema Marikar; Director, Marketing, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Madubhani Perera; industry leaders from Sri Lanka; and invitees from the British travel trade and the media. The WTM, held from 5 to 7 November 2018 at the Excel Exhibition Centre, London, was attended by over 60 industry partners from Sri Lanka, among others.
The newly appointed High Commissioner Manisha Gunasekera visited the Eelapatheeswarar Aalayam on Friday 02nd November 2018.
The Chief Priest Sureshwara Kurukkal and Ganesh Kurukkal conducted a special Pooja to bless the new High Commissioner, and the country and the people of Sri Lanka. Deputy High Commissioner Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, and members of the Kovil Management Committee of the Eelapatheeswarar Aalayam Mr Rajasingham Jayadevan and Mr Kandiah Vivekananthan also participated in the event.
Sri Lanka has been named the best country in the world to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet.
Sri Lanka is experiencing its moment in the equatorial sun and change is coming swiftly. The nation has plenty for families, adventure seekers, eco-tourists, wellness seekers and food lovers, capable of facilitating all income groups. The country has to offer many travel products including among others, diverse opportunities on beach holidays, eco-tourism, yoga retreats, national parks which are home to a range of animals, adventure and much more.
On assuming duties, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, Manisha Gunasekera visited the London Buddhist Vihara on Tuesday 23rd October 2018 to receive the blessings of Ven Bogoda Seelawimala Thero, the Chief Sanghanayake of Great Britain, and other members of the clergy.
