Sri Lanka | Independence Day
High Commissioner Wijewardene raises a glass the The Queen and the people of Britain and Sri Lankan Independence and relations with Britain
High Commissioner Wijewardene welcomes the High Commissioner for Bangladesh Mr Md Nazmul Quaunine
High Commissioner Wijewardene greets the High Commissioner for Mauritius Mr Girish Nunkoo
The High Commissioner for the Bahamas Mr Eldred E Bethel congratulates High Commissioner Wijewardene
High Commissioner Wijewardene welcomes the High Commissioner for Zambia Mr Muyeba Chikonde
High Commissioner Wijewardene with the Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland
High Commissioner Wijewardene greets the High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea Mrs Winnie Kiap
The Ambassador of Sudan Mr Sabit Abbe Alley congratulates High Commissioner Wijewardene
High Commissioner Wijewardene with the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Mr Federico Alberto Cuello Camilo and Mrs Natalia Maria Federighi de Cuello
The Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Alistair Harrison and Annette Prandzioch (Royal Commonwealth Society)
The Head of the South Asia Department at the FCO Laura Clarke
Dancers perform the ceremonial Ves Dance
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Road to recovery
For her first Independence Day celebration in London, the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka Ms Amari Wijewardene brought some welcome South Asian warmth to a cold London evening.
As Sri Lanka marks its 69th anniversary of independence, the High Commissioner reflected on the turbulent 30-year civil war from which the country is only now beginning to recover. “The present government is focusing on reconciliation, peace and economic development and Britain will continue to be a very important bilateral partner for us,” she said, as well as a valued member of the Commonwealth.
Echoing those sentiments, the FCO’s Head of South Asia Laura Clarke said since the election of President Sirsena, bilateral relations had strengthened with Britain funding projects aimed at achieving long-term stability and prosperity for all, from demining to community policing and building capacity to combat corruption. “The UK is committed to helping Sri Lanka win the peace after so many years of war,” she said.
PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS