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HC Bogollagama presents credentials to King Charles III
By Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom, Rohitha Bogollagama, presented his Letter of Credence to King Charles III, at a ceremonial event held at Buckingham Palace. The event marked a significant diplomatic occasion, featuring High Commissioner Bogollagama and his spouse, Deepthi Bogollagama, arriving in traditional horse carriages escorted by the Royal Mews.
Bogollagama conveyed warm greetings from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the King, extending best wishes for the monarch’s health and well-being. During the audience, Bogollagama highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, which have flourished for over seven decades. The discussions also included Sri Lanka’s active role within the Commonwealth and the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa this October. Additionally, on behalf of President Wickremesinghe, Bogollagama invited King Charles III to visit Sri Lanka.
As a gesture of goodwill, the High Commissioner presented the King with a special selection of James Taylor Premium Ceylon Tea, symbolising its historic connection to the UK. The ceremony was attended by Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Following the presentation, the High Commissioner and his entourage returned to the High Commission in horse carriages, concluding the journey with the ceremonial feeding of the horses with carrots. Upon their arrival, a Pirith chanting ceremony was held to invoke blessings on the High Commissioner.
In the evening, a Vin D’Honneur was hosted at the Sri Lanka House, attended by UK dignitaries, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, FCDO representatives, journalists, and corporate leaders, celebrating the presentation of credentials. Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Bogollagama expressed gratitude for the support extended by the UK government since his tenure began and looked forward to strengthening the bilateral relationship further.
High Commissioner Bogollagama has an extensive political career, having served as a Member of Parliament from 2000 to 2010 and holding several key ministerial positions, including Minister of Industries, Minister of Advanced Technology and National Enterprise Development, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also served as the Governor of the Eastern Province from 2017 to 2019.
Notably, High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama is the first Sri Lankan envoy to present credentials to King Charles III.
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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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