Harshana Nanayakkara Appointed President of Revived Sri Lanka-UK Parliamentary Friendship Association

The Sri Lanka–United Kingdom Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament was revived on January 23, 2025, during a meeting held at the Parliament premises. The event was attended by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, ministers, deputy ministers, and Members of Parliament.

At the meeting, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara was appointed as the President of the Association, while Member of Parliament (Dr.) Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam was named the Secretary.

Speaker Wickramaratne highlighted the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and the UK, emphasizing the importance of the revived Association in fostering trade, investment, tourism, and stronger ties between the two nations’ parliaments and citizens. He acknowledged the UK's support during Sri Lanka's economic challenges and praised the contributions of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy in empowering parliamentarians and staff through training programs.

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick noted the significance of educational links, mentioning that nearly 50,000 Sri Lankan students are studying in the UK. He expressed hope for further strengthening of bilateral ties, stating that the region’s growing influence in the global economy positions Sri Lanka for a bright future.

Newly appointed President Harshana Nanayakkara expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Association and emphasized the importance of using it as a platform to explore new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa underscored the Association’s role in promoting legislative collaboration and deepening bilateral relations.

The revival of the Sri Lanka-UK Parliamentary Friendship Association is seen as a significant step toward strengthening the partnership between the two nations, with a focus on mutual growth and collaboration.