President leaves to UK tomorrow

President Maithripala Sirisena and First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena will leave tomorrow for the United Kingdom on a three-day official visit, Saturday, Presidential Secretariat said. President Sirisena, as the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth, will attend the Commonwealth Day Observances on the ninth. Young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations on the second Monday in March every year celebrate Commonwealth Day across the Commonwealth. It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations. The theme for 2015 is ‘A Young Commonwealth’. The day is marked by a range of activities, including a multi-faith Observance at Westminster Abbey in London, UK, followed by a reception hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma. Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the event. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting will also take place on the twelfth. In his three-day official visit to UK, President Sirisena is expected to hold talks with the British Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron. Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, Deputy Minister Mr. Ajith P. Perera and many senior government officials will be accompanying the President.