The Speaker of the Sri Lanka Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, attended the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Commonwealth in the United Kingdom from 10 to 12 March 2024 at the invitation of the Speaker of the UK House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle.
Speaker Abeywardena attended the Commonwealth 75th Anniversary Dinner held at the historic Palace of Westminster hosted by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle on 10 March. The gathering saw the presence of numerous esteemed foreign dignitaries, including Speakers and Presiding Officers from over twenty Commonwealth nations. During the event, the Sri Lankan delegates engaged in fruitful discussions with other dignitaries present, shedding light on the progress achieved by Sri Lanka in both the democratic agenda and socioeconomic spheres.
Speaker Abeywardena participated at the Commonwealth Day flag hoisting ceremony hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons at the Palace of Westminster on 11 March and laid a wreath at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, to pay tribute to the 5 million servicemen and women who were in the Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars. Thereafter, Speaker Abeywardena joined the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in which Her Majesty The Queen Consort, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family were in attendance. The Service also featured a procession of young flag bearers representing each of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth, where Anudi Rasulima Ponnamperuma carried the Sri Lankan flag. The day concluded with the Commonwealth Day Reception hosted by Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland at the Marlborough House.
At the end of the celebrations, the Speakers and the Presiding Officers from the Commonwealth member countries adopted the Commonwealth Communique, which outlined support and commitment to the unique and modern partnership of the Commonwealth. Prior to his departure from the UK, Speaker Abeywardena also attended the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Meeting at the Palace of Westminster on 12 March.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama was associated with Speaker Abeywardena at these events. The Speaker’s presence at this significant milestone underscores Sri Lanka's commitment to the ideals and principles of the Commonwealth, as well as its dedication to fostering international cooperation and dialogue.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
London
18 March 2024
