Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya concluded an official visit to the United Kingdom from 18 to 22 May 2026 to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning Board of Governors Meeting and to advance bilateral, academic, and community engagement.

The Prime Minister commenced the programme with academic engagements at the Institute of Development Studies of the University of Sussex, where she addressed the 60th anniversary celebration. In her remarks, she reflected on the relationship between politics, governance, and development, drawing from Sri Lanka’s recent political and economic experiences. She emphasized the challenges of balancing governance, economic recovery, social protection, and institutional reform while responding to public expectations and maintaining democratic accountability.

The Prime Minister also delivered the 2026 Annual Lecture at St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, organized by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies. Addressing students, academics, and researchers, she reflected on the intersections of development, governance, and politics in Sri Lanka, while discussing broader challenges faced by countries pursuing social and economic reform. During the visit to Oxford, she also engaged with scholars and Sri Lankan fellows of the Chevening CRISP programme.

During the visit, Prime Minister Amarasuriya held bilateral discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, Yvette Cooper. The Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support following Cyclone Ditwah, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance, and commended continued efforts to facilitate increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka. She also briefed the UK side on Sri Lanka’s economic developments and policy priorities, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to human rights, reconciliation, and economic growth. Both sides exchanged views on global geopolitical developments, energy challenges, and regional connectivity, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At a discussion with the Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom, Bridget Phillipson, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of sustaining institutional partnerships, enhancing quality assurance in higher education, and expanding opportunities for students and educators. Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom in education and expressed interest in further collaboration in student mobility, joint programmes, and research.

The Prime Minister also met academic experts from the British Council at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London to discuss strengthening cooperation in teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, quality assurance, research collaboration, and learning opportunities for students and educators.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya attended the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning Board of Governors Meeting from 21 to 22 May 2026. She also met the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at the Commonwealth Secretariat, where discussions focused on climate change, climate finance, democratic governance, and women’s political participation. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s continued support to Sri Lanka through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives and collaboration in areas including climate finance and electoral governance.

The Prime Minister visited the London Buddhist Vihara ahead of its upcoming centenary celebrations and met the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, to discuss preparations for the celebrations and the Vihara’s contribution to the Sri Lankan community. She also engaged with members of the Sri Lankan community at a separate community event.

The delegation accompanying the Prime Minister comprised the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom and senior officials of the High Commission.

High Commission of Sri Lanka

London

27 May 2026