High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom

The Sri Lanka High Commission in London organized a roundtable presentation followed by a networking lunch on ‘Investment and Trade Opportunities in Sri Lanka’ for the British – Sri Lankan business community, on Monday 2 September 2019, at the Holiday Inn Kensington High Street in London.  The roundtable was the first diaspora outreach event organised by the Sri Lanka High Commission under the Economic Diplomacy Programme (EDP) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, and was supported by the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade and the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka.  Selected members of the British – Sri Lankan community representing all ethnicities, i.e., Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim, with investment or trade potential or already engaged in business, participated in the roundtable on the invitation of the High Commission.  A unique feature of the roundtable was the opportunity it provided to tap into a significant portion of the diaspora hitherto not engaged by the High Commission.

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Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in the UK Manisha Gunasekera and Commercial Section staff headed by Minister Commercial Dr Lakmini Mendis visited the stalls of M/s. Ceylon Jewellery Manufacturers and M/s. MAM Gems from Sri Lanka which showcased their gem and jewellery products, designs and craftsmanship at the International Jewellery London (IJL) 2019 held in Olympia, London from 01 to 03 September 2019.  Retail buyers from more than 70 countries participated in the IJL, which annually showcases the best of luxury products, design and craftsmanship as a pre-eminent destination for British jewellery and leading global brands.

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The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Manisha Gunasekera and staff of the Commercial Section led by Minister Commercial Dr Lakmini Mendis visited the stalls of two British companies, M/s. Robert Wilson Family Teas and M/s. English Tea Shop (UK), which showcased their unique and speciality teas at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2019 held in Olympia, London from 1 to 3 September 2019. A highlight was M/s. Robert Wilson Family Teas with family links to Sri Lanka going back six generations, which had won 3 stars at the Great Taste Awards organised by the Guild of Fine Food for their Ceylon teas.  Speciality & Fine Food Fair provides a unique platform for more than 700 producers of artisan food & drink to showcase their products, network and get up to speed with the latest trends in the business.

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Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha said post 21/4 has been a ‘litmus test’ on Sri Lanka’s resolve to adhere to human rights standards, while fighting terrorism, and also to determine the robustness and shortcomings of the democratic institutions that have been strengthened in recent years.

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The fourth meeting of the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the European Union-Sri Lanka Joint Commission was held in Colombo on 30 August 2019.

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With reference to comments that have appeared since the above appointment, the following is noted:

• The appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State.

• Foreign entities trying to influence the decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka is unwarranted and unacceptable.

• Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international organizations, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice espoused by all responsible members of the international community.

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