President Sirisena, as the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth, attended the Commonwealth Day Observances, themed 'A Young Commonwealth', yesterday (March 09). The day’s events took place in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Head of the Commonwealth, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, members of the Royal Family and senior politicians, High Commissioners, and Commonwealth dignitaries.
The President participated in a multi-faith Observance at Westminster Abbey in London, UK, followed by a reception hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, at the Commonwealth Secretariat in Marlborough House, London.
On a four-day official visit to UK, President Sirisena is expected to hold talks with the British Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron. President Sirisena will meet with members of All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka (APGSL) and All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils (APPGT) at the House of Lords.
The President will have an audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday. As is customary, the President will also meet with the Sri Lankan community in the United Kingdom before conclusion of the visit. Minister of External Affairs Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, Deputy Minister Mr. Ajith P. Perera, Presidential Adviser on International Affairs Dr. Chris Nonis and many senior government officials are accompanying the President.
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Chair in Office of the Commonwealth President Maithripala Sirisena and Mrs. Jayanthi Sirisena arrive for the Commonwealth Observance - an inter-denominational at Westminster Abbey in London, England, March 9, 2015.[/caption]
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Children representing the countries of Commonwealth offer the flags of member nations for blessing at Westminster Abbey in London, England, March 9, 2015.[/caption]
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London, England, March 9, 2015. It was the first time that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended the event, which celebrates the multinational organisation on Commonwealth Day.[/caption]
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Sri Lanka’s Minister of Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs, Mr. D.M. Swaminathan, and Provincial Councillor Mr. Azad Sally arrive for the Observance for Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London, England, March 9, 2015.[/caption]
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