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Lankan cultural melting pot presented at London celebration Independence Day
By Sujeeva Nivunhella
reporting from London
For the first time in London, the Sri Lankan High Commission hosted a special reception dedicated to community engagement in celebration of the nation’s 77th Independence Anniversary. The event, held at the Sarah Siddons Theatre at the City of Westminster College’s Paddington Green Campus, brought together over 350 members of the Sri Lankan community, friends of Sri Lanka, and well-wishers.
The reception featured a vibrant cultural segment, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich artistic traditions. It began with a traditional Kandyan dance performed by the Kandyan Dancers Company, followed by a Bharathanatyam performance by Branava Nartanalaya. The Rupavahini Muthuhara Children’s Society UK 2515 captivated the audience with a series of songs, while a fusion dance performance brought together elements of both Kandyan and Bharathanatyam styles, symbolising unity in diversity.
Interspersed between performances were speeches from prominent community leaders, including Dr. Mohan Siriwardena (Buddhist community), Kanagaratnam Rajamenon (Hindu community), Shakeer Nawas (Islamic community), and Dr. Roshan Jayalath (Christian community). Each speaker reflected on the contributions of the Sri Lankan diaspora and the importance of fostering unity and harmony within the community.
In her keynote address, the Acting High Commissioner Manori Mallikarachchi emphasized this year’s Independence theme, ‘Towards a National Renaissance,’ highlighting the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and the nation’s journey through historical struggles toward independence. She underscored the government’s commitment to transparency, economic transformation, and sustainable development, while also calling upon the Sri Lankan diaspora to actively contribute to the nation’s progress.
“The story of Sri Lanka’s independence is one of resilience and hope. As we mark our 77th year, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose,” she stated, acknowledging the role of key historical figures such as Gongalegoda Banda, Veera Puran Appu, Anagarika Dharmapala, Arumugar Navalar, and C.W.W. Kannangara in shaping the nation’s identity and independence movement.
Reflecting on the nation’s post-independence journey, the Acting High Commissioner addressed the challenges Sri Lanka has faced, including the prolonged civil conflict and the economic crisis of 2022. She commended the resilience of the people and expressed confidence in the leadership of President Dissanayake, whose policies emphasize transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
She highlighted key governmental initiatives such as the Support to Selected Anti-Corruption Initiatives Project and the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, launched on 01 Jan., 2025. “‘Clean Sri Lanka’ is not just a campaign but a movement that embodies the essence of a National Renaissance,” she said, urging the community to support the initiative and contribute to creating a cleaner, more ethical society.
This reception marked the first time the Sri Lanka High Commission in London has hosted an event solely focused on community engagement. The event’s success was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Sri Lankan Tamil-owned enterprises such as Regent Group UK, Leaf Hotels Group, Sky Wings, Bala Letting, and Home Care Group, along with Bank of Ceylon, De La Rue, and Capital Metals.
“The collaboration between public and private sectors is vital in strengthening community ties and supporting initiatives that celebrate our shared heritage,” the Acting High Commissioner emphasized.
As Sri Lanka moves forward, the government’s vision is centred on economic transformation, inclusive innovation, and sustainable development. “Empowering marginalized communities and fostering technological advancements are at the heart of our nation’s progress,” she stated, encouraging the diaspora to play an active role in Sri Lanka’s recovery and growth.
In closing, the Acting High Commissioner reiterated the significance of unity and resilience. “As we celebrate 77 years of Independence, let us honour the sacrifices of the past and commit to building a future that reflects the ideals of a Thriving Nation, Beautiful Life.”
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka Dr. Siri Walt paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 17th of February at the Temple Trees.
Welcoming the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka the Prime Minister briefed the Ambassador on her recent visit to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting noting that the series of high-level bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the Forum, along with two important industry visits provided valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s economic engagement.
The discussion focused on Switzerland’s vocational education and training (VET) system, with particular interest in exploring possible cooperation and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
The Prime Minister also conveyed her appreciation for the assistance extended by the Government of Switzerland following Cyclone Ditwah. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s need for enhanced technical assistance during the ongoing rebuilding phase, especially in relation to the reconstruction of bridges and railway infrastructure.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Switzerland, and to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
First Secretary (Political) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Justine Boillat, First Secretary (Migration) of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo Ms. Andrea Kienast and the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatt and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Employment, Tourism.attended the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Advisory for low pressure area in the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka
Advisory for low pressure area in the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka.
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 03.00 pm on 18 February 2026
Multiday boats fishermen and naval community are warned that the low-pressure area still persists over the Southwest Bay of Bengal to the south-east of Sri Lanka. Under the influence of this system, heavy showers or thundershowers, Strong winds about (50-60) kmph, and rough or very rough seas can be expected in these sea areas.
The Meteorological Department is constantly monitoring the behavior of the system.
The naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Canada, said to be the home to the largest Tamil Diaspora community, has expressed concern over the delay in holding Provincial Council (PC) elections. Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Martin, on Monday (16), took up the issue with Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Professor Chandana Abayaratne.
Sources quoted Prof. Abayaratne as having told the Canadian HC that the delay was not deliberate on the part of the government. The Minister blamed, what the sources called, certain legal, technical and delimitation issues for the delay.
India compelled Sri Lanka to enact the 13th Amendment to the country’s Constitution to enable the setting up of the Provincial Council system, in line with the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord, which Sri Lanka signed under duress in July 1987.
Prof. Abayaratne has assured the Canadian HC that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, too, recognised the importance of strengthening the Provincial Council system as a solution to ethnic issues and that urgent steps would be taken in that regard.
During the discussion, matters relating to strengthening political, economic and social relations between the two countries were discussed.
In May 2020, Canada declared that Sri Lanka had perpetrated genocide during the war against the LTTE. Canada also sanctioned former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa in January 2023 over alleged war crimes.
The Canadian HC also explained her country’s ‘Indo-Pacific’ strategy and how Sri Lanka could benefit from it.
In particular, Canada’s “Pathways to Peace” project will support reconciliation between nations, and to improve communication by encouraging the learning of mutual languages as a second language, and it was also agreed to provide more opportunities for Sri Lankan students to pursue higher studies in Canada.
The Canadian delegation also expressed its willingness to provide the necessary technical assistance to solve the drinking water problems in Puttalam, Mannar and the North-Eastern provinces under technical cooperation, and to implement the relevant projects after a preliminary study.
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