Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Rohitha Bogollagama, has formally invited King Charles III to visit Sri Lanka. The invitation was extended during the presentation of his Letter of Credence at Buckingham Palace.
A Ceremonial Arrival
High Commissioner Bogollagama, accompanied by his wife, Deepthi Bogollagama, arrived at Buckingham Palace in a traditional horse-drawn carriage from the Royal Mews. This ceremonial approach highlighted the historical ties and mutual respect between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
Historic Presentation
The Sri Lankan High Commission noted that Bogollagama is the first Sri Lankan envoy to present credentials to King Charles III. This event marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Extending the Invitation
On behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, High Commissioner Bogollagama extended an invitation to King Charles III to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka. The invitation aims to strengthen the already robust relations and explore new avenues of cooperation.
Focus on Bilateral Relations
During the audience with King Charles III, discussions centered on the enduring relationship between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. They also touched upon Sri Lanka’s active role within the Commonwealth and the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
Symbolic Gesture
As a gesture of goodwill, High Commissioner Bogollagama presented King Charles III with an exclusive selection of James Taylor Premium Ceylon Tea. This gift symbolizes the shared history and the deep-rooted connection of tea cultivation between Sri Lanka and the UK. Sir Philip Barton from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) was also in attendance during the ceremony.
Concluding Ceremonies
Following the presentation at Buckingham Palace, High Commissioner Bogollagama and his entourage returned to the Sri Lankan High Commission. They concluded the ceremonial activities with the traditional feeding of carrots to the horses, symbolizing gratitude and respect for the services rendered by the royal horses.
This invitation and the associated ceremonies underscore the deep cultural and diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, setting a hopeful tone for future collaborations.
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