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Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Saroja Sirisena (left) and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Saroja Sirisena called on the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle on 24 May as a part of latter’s initiative to meet Heads of Mission based in London.
Referring to Sri Lanka-UK history going back centuries, discussions focused on the importance of strengthening the bilateral relationship in spheres such as trade, investment, tourism, people-to-people contacts, education and cooperation of the legislatures of the two countries.
High Commissioner Sirisena briefed Lindsay that Sri Lanka enjoys high human development indices, thanks to its free health and free education systems modelled on those of the UK. Lindsay noted the close cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UK on oceans and plastics.
Lindsay noted that democracy was the main factor binding the two countries. Referring to Sri Lanka’s electoral system, High Commissioner Sirisena stated that it was broad based on the Westminster system of first-past-the-post until it was replaced with the system of proportional representation in 1989.
Lindsay welcomed a suggestion of High Commissioner Sirisena for the exchange of visits between the legislatures of the two countries. They both agreed that a friendly cricket match between the members of the two Parliaments would be a fine opportunity to celebrate shared love of cricket.
It is noteworthy that arrangements had been made by the office of the Speaker to fly the Sri Lankan flag in front of House of Commons on the occasion of the meeting. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner Samantha Pathirana.
