News
The outgoing High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera paid a farewell call on the Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain The Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thero at the London Buddhist Vihara on Tuesday 7 January 2020.
” I have spoken on several occasions, and led a debate in your Lordships’ House, on the importance of the Commonwealth. I shall speak particularly on one Commonwealth country: Sri Lanka. Britain has vibrant Sri Lankan communities which have made enormous contributions to this country. Sri Lanka’s location at the heart of the Indian Ocean means it is uniquely positioned to serve as a regional centre for trade and services. The World Bank has recently classified Sri Lanka as an upper middle-income country. FTAs are in place with India, Pakistan and Singapore. Comprehensive trade agreements are also being negotiated with China, Thailand and Bangladesh. It is worth noting that businesses based in Sri Lanka can market their products and services to 3.5 billion people on preferential terms. Through the Port City Colombo project, Sri Lanka is creating a new international financial centre that will function under its own jurisdiction. Will the Government be providing expertise or facilitating the adoption of an English legal framework for this region? I would like to see us investing more in Sri Lanka and expanding our trade with that country.”
“My Lords, for 23 years, I was a Member of Parliament for the marginal seat of Northampton South. What a joy it is to see the majority in that marginal seat move from 1,000 to 4,400—it quadrupled. The reason for that was not just what was done on the ground but a reflection of the British people’s faith in the determination and leadership of our Prime Minister. I pay particular tribute to him for what he has done for our country.
Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the growing tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of a senior Iranian leader.
Sri Lanka urges all parties to act with utmost restraint and maintain peace and security through constructive dialogue in order to de-escalate the threat to the stability of the region.
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Colombo
06 January 2020
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK Manisha Gunasekera met with the former MP and former Minister of State for the Middle East and former Minister of State for South Asia at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office; former Minister of State at the Department of International Development; and long-standing friend of Sri Lanka, The Rt Hon Alistair Burt on Thursday 21st November 2019. The discussion involved the ways and means of promoting Sri Lanka – UK relations.
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the UK Manisha Gunasekera met with the Chancellor of University of Birmingham, Vice President of CBI, Founder Chair of UK India Business Council & Entrepreneur, Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea on Monday 25th November 2019. The meeting entailed discussion on UK South Asia relations and areas of cooperation with Sri Lanka.
Honourable Speaker,
Honourable Prime Minister,
Honourable Leader of the Opposition,
Honourable Ministers, Honourable State Ministers,
Honorouble Members of Parliament,
I have this opportunity to address you as the Head of State of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka consequent to the historic victory granted to me by the people of this country on the 16th of November.
