Mangala to undertake official visit to UK

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera will undertake an official visit to the United Kingdom from 9-14 January 2017. 

This is the first high-level visit from Sri Lanka to the UK since the appointment of the new Government of Prime Minister Theresa May following the Brexit vote in July 2016. 

The visit reflects the continuing dialogue between Sri Lanka and the UK since resetting bilateral ties in January 2015. Minister Samaraweera is scheduled to meet with the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Boris Johnson, and other key officials. The discussions are expected to review developments in the bilateral relationship, including the way forward to further advance trade and investment between the two countries.  The Minister will apprise his counterpart on the milestones being achieved by the Sri Lankan Government in institutional building to strengthen democracy, reconciliation and inclusive development. 

During the visit, the Minister will also meet with Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland to discuss Sri Lanka’s shared interests and cooperation as an active member of the organisation. 

The bilateral segment of the program includes a speaking engagement by Minister Samaraweera at Chatham House on the efforts of the Unity Government to move forward with peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.