The Sri Lankan diaspora in the United Kingdom was urged last week by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to contribute to economic development projects in Sri Lanka. Speaking to a crowd at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, he expressed his pride in the British Sri Lankan community for making a name for themselves in every sector of the UK economy, including trade, services, and business. He urged them to band together as Sri Lankans and people of Sri Lankan origin to support the development of their motherland.
The President further stated that in order to address existing issues, create social structures, and modernize the educational system, Sri Lanka is trying to change its economy into a competitive export-oriented one.
As the head of the Commonwealth and the longest-serving head of state of Ceylon for 20 years before the country became a republic, he noted Queen Elizabeth II’s specific affinity for Sri Lanka and said her passing marked the end of an era.
In order to attend the State Funeral Service of Queen Elizabeth II, the president, the first lady, and their party flew aboard an Emirates flight from Dubai to London on September 17. High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena met them at Heathrow and drove them to the Intercontinental Hotel in Park Lane, London, where they checked in.
The President, First Lady, and High Commissioner attended the late Queen’s Lying-in-State service on Sunday, September 18, at the Palace of Westminster. This was followed by a reception at Buckingham Palace, which was given by His Majesty King Charles III. The State Funeral Service was held at Westminster Abbey on Monday, and both the President and First Lady were there (Sept. 19). He added his signature to the Book of Condolences that day. James Cleverly, MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, gave a reception at Church House for the visiting international leaders.
On September 20, the President met Patricia Scotland, QC, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. They talked on issues of shared interest as well as Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Commonwealth Secretariat. He also paid a visit to the London Buddhist Vihara, where the Chief Sanga Nayaka of Great Britain and Ven. Dr. Bogoda Seelawimala, the Vihara’s Chief Incumbent, requested blessings on the President and the people of Sri Lanka.
