Fifteen Venerable members of the Maha Sangha from several Buddhist Viharas in the United Kingdom gathered to invoke blessings on His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a Pirith Chanting and Sanghika Dana organised by the Sri Lanka High Commission in London.

Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Birmingham Buddhist Maha Vihara Ven. Dr. Vitharandeniya Kassapa Nayake Thero and Venerable Maha Sangha Theras from the following Buddhist Viharas also participated at the Pirith Chanting and Sanghika Dana on 17th and 18th November 2012:

London Buddhist Vihara, Chiswick; Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre, Kingsbury; Birmingham Maha Vihara in Birmingham; Thames Buddhist Vihara in London; Eastham Temple, London; Edmonton Temple, London; Letchworth Dhamma Nikethanaya, Letchworth; Ilford Temple, London; Heathrow Athula Dassana Temple, London.

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The Sri Lankan High Commissioner for the UK, His Excellency Dr Chris Nonis, was awarded the “Diplomat of the Year” for Asia, at the Annual Diplomat Awards Ceremony at the Langham Hotel in London last night, in the presence of the Diplomatic Community. This is the first time a Sri Lankan High Commissioner has won this award, which is chosen from the 164 Embassies and Diplomatic Missions in London.

Hugo De Blocq Van Kuffeler in his introduction to the Diplomat Awards ceremony stated that

“Yet another year has passed us, leaving us at an extraordinary time in world history, more complex and challenging trials for its citizens to cope with, and for its Diplomats to resolve. In a year that has seen dramatic shifts in International power, it appears that the modern Diplomat needs to be an expert in conflict resolution, poverty alleviation, climate change as well as government PR and Nation branding. The scale of global challenges facing us today, economic, social, environmental, and security weigh upon us all. There has been more states in conflict in the past 12 months since the 2nd World war, and yet Diplomacy is more important than ever. Governments must believe that diplomacy should displace defence at the core of International policy, and so the role of the diplomat is as important as ever. Despite the conveniences of modern technology, the tact, persuasiveness, influence and guile, of a great Diplomat is far more effective than an email or letter. Diplomacy is the brain of a Nation. It is been said that the quality of a Nation’s diplomacy is its direction and weight, and so it is important that we appreciate the great conductors of Diplomacy this evening. Already dealing with one of the most intense workloads in 2012, Diplomats posted in London will face a year when almost every country will have a delegation visiting the capital for Her Majesty's the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and London's 2012 Olympics.

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A two-day photographic exhibition capturing in graphic detail Sri Lanka before and after the 30-year conflict attracted a wide cross-section of foreign and local dignitaries.

Held at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London the exhibition was viewed by parliamentarians from the House of Commons, House of Lords and the European Parliament, leading Buddhist monks in the UK, London-based diplomats, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials and from Commonwealth institutions, public figures and the Sri Lankan community.

Among the attendees was Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat who was in Sri Lanka recently during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's Annual Conference.

The photo-exhibition graphically conveyed the various acts of terrorism of the LTTE and the enormity of the damage and destruction caused across the country. During that tragic period the LTTE gunned down or blasted several dozen Sri Lankan leaders including Tamil politicians and intellectuals.

Dr. Chris Nonis addresses the Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council at the British Parliament

Sri Lankan High Commissioner for the U.K., H.E. Dr. Chris Nonis addressed the Conservative Foreign & Commonwealth Council, chaired by Sir Ronald Halstead, which provides a forum for discussion of International Foreign relations, and the promotion of greater understanding and awareness amongst Conservative Party members and activists, in the House of Lords building of the British Parliament. The patrons of this society include The Rt. Hon William Hague MP, Foreign Secretary; The Rt. Hon Sir John Major KG, CH; The Rt. Hon Lord Howe of Aberavon QC; The Rt. Hon Baroness Chalker of Wallasey and The Rt. Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell CH CBE; and whose President is Sir Malcolm Rifkind, KCMG, QC.

The Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council members applauded the progress made by Sri Lanka in the post-conflict era, the comprehensive LLRC Report, its recommendations and implementation programme. Dr. Chris Nonis in his keynote address called on the Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council to look beyond the inflammatory rhetoric of the agents of separatism with collateral agendas, and the imperative that the people of the UK do not fall prey to covert pressure from extremely well-funded lobby groups who use coercive measures for fundraising, and subsequently use their funds to influence opinion leaders, think tanks, and legislators, but who are in reality surrogates for the extreme rump of terrorism. He reiterated that this was anathema to the fundamental democratic values which we all cherish.

High Commissioner Dr. Chris Nonis briefed British Parliamentarians from the House of Commons and the House of Lords, academics and Think Tanks, at an interactive dialogue on the LLRC Report held last afternoon in Portcullis House in the British Parliament.

Dr. Chris Nonis articulated that the holistic approach of the LLRC is entirely consistent with restorative justice embedded with accountability. He further stated that it is a comprehensive, objective and impartial report which demonstrates the integrity of the LLRC, and it is set in the context of International Humanitarian Law incorporating the principle of distinction and principle of proportionality. He said that it has a wealth of content and provides a nuanced understanding of the conflict, and many lessons can be learnt from it. He further stated that the release of the LLRC Report in full by the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa demonstrates both its sincerity and commitment and is a landmark in the reconciliation process of Sri Lanka in the post-conflict era.

Conservative MP Mr. James Wharton said “This is an extremely welcome opportunity to discuss the way forward for Sri Lanka after what has been a very difficult period of its history. The High Commissioner gave us a very thorough overview of the (LLRC) Report including answers to a wide range of questions. I know that a number of my Parliamentarian colleagues look forward with the intent to seeing Sri Lanka progress over the coming months and years”.

High Commissioner Dr Chris Nonis with (from L to R) Michael Wynn Parker, chairman of the Guild of Tourism; The Marquess of Bristol; HRH Princess Katrina of Yugoslavia; Lord Pendry and Andrew Rosindell MP for Romford.

High Commissioner to the UK Dr Chris Nonis outlined the strides that Sri Lanka had taken in economic, social rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation since the defeat of terrorism in May 2009 to the Guild of Tourism at a luncheon meeting held at the Cholomondelay Room at the House of Lords..

One of the beneficiaries of this development effort in the post-conflict era was the tourism and hospitality industry which has witnessed a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals including from the UK, he said.

Addressing a distinguished audience that included Royalty, Lords, MPs and other notables, Dr Nonis urged them to visit Sri Lanka and view first hand the unprecedented development that has also opened the doors to enterprising foreign investors in various sectors including tourism and hotels.

A 15-member delegation from the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce on its recent visit to the UK had an interactive dialogue with sections of the Sri Lankan community here to build trade and commercial links and explore technology transfer.

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Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Dr. Chris Nonis, with the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs William Hague at the Annual Conference of the Conservative Party in Birmingham, which concluded this week. Addressing the party conference Foreign Secretary Hague underlined the importance of economic diplomacy and the imperative of engaging with emerging economies.

(Courtesy : Daily FT Sri Lanka Published : October 13, 2012 )

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London held a full day mobile service at Judgemeadow Community College in Leicester on 2nd September 2012 to provide consular services to the Sri Lankan community living in the Leicester area. The services included registration of births, renewal of passports, acceptance of applications for new passports and other consular services.

This was organized under the guidance of Mr. Chaminda Kularatne (Attorney-at-Law) Head of the Consular and Immigration Division of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London in collaboration with the "Sri Lanka Muslim Diaspora Initiative UK" , which is present across Britain.

A large number of individuals from all communities in Sri Lanka and residing in Leicester, Manchester and Birmingham benefited from this mobile service. This is part of a wider programme to take the High Commission's services directly to the Sri Lankan community. This is the second mobile service conducted this year. The High Commission intends to provide similar mobile assistance in other cities of Britain in the future.

Sri Lanka High Commission, London felicitates the Sri Lankan and British Commonwealth Youth Exchange Programme participants. Lord Hameed, Chairman, Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council, Helen Jones, Director, CYEC, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dr. Chris Nonis, Chamari Rodrigo, Minister Counsellor, Commonwealth, Sri Lankan High Commission with Commonwealth Youth at the Sri Lanka High Commission, London

Bronze medal-winner Lance Corporal UDP Pradeep Sanjaya of the 4th Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment was felicitated by the Sri Lanka High Commission, London, when the Paralympic team and the officials and coaches visited the Mission on Friday.

The Men’s 400m T46 runner Pradeep Sanjaya was presented with an engraved trophy by High Commissioner Dr Chris Nonis to mark what was a historic achievement by the soldier who had been seriously injured at Kilinochchi during the terrorist conflict in Sri Lanka.

His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa personally spoke to the medal winner by telephone during the presentation ceremony to congratulate him on the honour he has brought to the Nation.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony High Commissioner Dr Chris Nonis said it was a signal achievement for the young soldier and equally for the country and the people of Sri Lanka, for it was the first time that Sri Lanka had won a medal at the Paralympics and more so in the country in which these games originated.

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The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Dr William A Shija with the Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the UK Dr Chris Nonis

With parliamentarians from the entire Commonwealth due to gather in Colombo for a week-long meeting which will formerly open on 11th September, Secretary-General of the CPA Dr Shija had discussions with High Commissioner Chris Nonis on the upcoming conference.

The CPA, headquartered in London, brings together more than 170 parliaments and legislatures throughout the Commonwealth, and is a powerful organisation dedicated to strengthening good parliamentary practice and respect for the institution of Parliament.

Sri Lanka's Speaker of parliament Chamal Rajapaksa MP will be chairing the forthcoming CPA Conference. The cross-party UK parliamentary delegation to the 58th annual conference, will be led by Labour MP Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods.

A historic orchid Oncidium alexandrae ‘Diamond Jubilee’ was presented to Her Majesty the Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show, at the Orchid Society of Great Britain stand sponsored by the Sri Lanka Tourism Board. Oncidium alexandrae ‘Diamond Jubilee’ was a specially bred cultivar of the original Oncidium alexandrae and named 'Diamond Jubilee' in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne.

The Queen is Royal patron of the popular Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show and has attended the show every year since 1971. Her Majesty viewed the intricate floral arrangements as well as the many floral tributes to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. Those present were Dr. Henry Oakley, President of the Orchid Society of Great Britain, H.E. Dr. Chris Nonis, Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Mr. Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Lady Samantha Hurley, Editor of OSGB Journal, Mr. Jagath Kumara, Sri Lanka High Commission, and Mr. Nalin Perera of Sri Lanka Tourism. Amongst the many other visitors and celebrities to the stand were HRH Princess Alexandra, The Earl of Home, Lord and Lady Naseby, Prince Ali Khan, Mayoress Stainton, Sir Cliff Richards, Sir Trevor McDonald, and Jerry Hall.