Category: News

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom together with the Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organisations in the United Kingdom (COSMOS UK)  hosted an Iftar on Friday, 22 March 2024 at the High Commission.

High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of Iftar celebrating the holy month of Ramadan and benevolent activities in assisting less fortunate sections of society to meet their necessities. He praised the Sri Lankan Diaspora in the United Kingdom for their contributions to the community in which they reside. The High Commissioner briefed the gathering on the initiative of the President of Sri Lanka to raise US $ One Million to contribute to the requirements for war-affected Gaza Children.  » Read more

A Roundtable Discussion with medical professionals in the UK was convened at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London on 20^th March 2024. The roundtable was co-chaired by His Excellency Rohitha Bogollagama, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK and Professor -Vidya Jyothi (Dr.) Vajira Dissanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Colombo University. The objective of the discussion was to explore opportunities for collaboration between the medical and healthcare sectors of Sri Lanka and the UK.
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At the invitation of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC), High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama highlighted Sri Lanka’s investment potential at the Trade and Investment Roundtable “Strengthening Commonwealth – Sri Lanka Partnerships,” held on 20 March 2024 at the “Institute of Directors” in London. The Roundtable was an outcome of the recent visit of Lord Marland of Odstock, Chairman of the CWEIC to Sri Lanka and his discussions with Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka. » Read more

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, Rohitha Bogollagama presented his credentials to Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the IMO, as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at the IMO Headquarters in London on 14th March 2024.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner highlighted his extensive background as a maritime lawyer and his previous role as Director of Mersk, demonstrating his deep engagement with the maritime industry. The two dignitaries engaged in discussions concerning the current political situation in the Red Sea, where Sri Lanka recently deployed a naval vessel to assist in safeguarding commercial shipping routes. » Read more

The Speaker of the Sri Lanka Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, attended the commemorations of the 75^th Anniversary of the Commonwealth in the United Kingdom from 10^th to 12^th March, 2024 at the invitation of the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, the Right Honourable Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

On 10^th March, Speaker Abeywardena attended the Commonwealth 75^th Anniversary Dinner held in the historic Palace of Westminster hosted by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The gathering saw the presence of numerous esteemed foreign dignitaries, including Speakers and Presiding Officers from over twenty Commonwealth nations. During the event, the Sri Lankan delegates engaged in fruitful discussions with other dignitaries present, shedding light on the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in both the democratic agenda and socioeconomic spheres amidst the country’s current situation. » Read more

The Association of Old Anandians in the UK proudly celebrated the distinguished career and contributions of esteemed past pupil, His Excellency Rohitha Bogollagama, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, at a felicitation ceremony held on February 24, 2024. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of past pupils of Ananda College, Colombo, residing across the United Kingdom, including the Major N.L.C. Perera, the oldest Anandian in the UK. The High Commissioner was warmly welcomed by the Association’s President, Champika Silva; Secretary, Lucian De Zoysa; and Treasurer, Chandrasoma Senanayake.   » Read more

The Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom commemorated Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day with a vibrant community celebration on February 17, 2024, at the Roystonhill Hub Community Centre in Glasgow, marking the first-ever such celebration in Scotland.

The event, tailored for the Sri Lankan community in Scotland, drew a significant turnout, with participation from community members and the presence of several Glasgow councillors. The organization of the event received key support from the Most Venerable Kamburawala Rewatha Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Scotland Buddhist Vihara, as well as Mr. David Nallaratnam, Director of the Cross Ethnic Community, along with its members. Noteworthy participation also included Reverend Morawaka Dhammarakkitha Thera, the Buddhist Chaplain of Strathclyde University in Glasgow, and representatives from various other religious faiths.

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As part of the ‘Sri Lanka Business Drive – 2024’ initiative which was launched under the guidance of His Excellency Rohitha Bogollagama, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, a business and investment networking breakfast Roundtable meeting, organised by the Sri Lanka High Commission, was held on 17^th February 2024 at VOCO Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland,

This business gathering marked the first ever Sri Lankan business dialogue of that nature in Glasgow, organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London in collaboration with the UK and the Sri Lankan business community in Scotland. The Roundtable event brought together around 20 senior selected representatives from various business and investment sectors, including notable institutions and companies as potential business partners for Sri Lanka such as the Glasgow Trade Chambers, Asia Scotland Institute, Scottish Asian Business Chamber, Scottish Financial Enterprise, Aberdeen City Council, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of West Scotland, University of Bolton, University of Strathclyde, National Trust for Scotland, Cross Ethnic Glasgow, Orwell Group, Belli International Real Estates, Unitas UK, Jacob Com Ltd, and LK Shipping etc,.

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The Westminster Abbey held a special Evensong Prayer service in honour of the 76th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, on February 9th. The Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs.

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The Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom celebrated the 76th Independence Day with a series of events spanning several days, embracing the nation’s rich cultural and religious diversity.

The commemoration began with religious ceremonies, starting with the Independence Day Celebrations on February 2nd, organized by the Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre in association with the Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organizations (COSMOS) UK. This was followed by Hindu and Buddhist religious ceremonies on February 3^rd. On February 9th, an Evensong Church Service will take place at Westminster Abbey. » Read more