Sri Lanka’s new High Commissioner to Great Britain Dr Chris Nonis recently presented his credentials to the Queen Elizabeth II. A doctor by profession, Dr Nonis was the Chairman of the Mackwoods Group of Companies at the time of accepting the post of High Commissioner.

Dr Nonis who went to Buckingham Palace with four other Sri Lankan diplomats by traditional horse and carriage provided by the Palace had a lengthy and very cordial discussion with Her Majesty the Queen. At the outset Dr Nonis presented the compliments of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Queen and mentioned that Sri Lanka is looking forward to welcoming Her Majesty at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in the year 2013. Her Majesty recalled fondly her three previous visits to Sri Lanka and specially her visit to Nuwara Eliya. The Queen praised the progress of youth and educational projects implemented under the Commonwealth, and commended the work of Dr Chris Nonis for the Commonwealth as the Deputy Chairman of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

A reception was held at the High Commission to receive the High Commissioner where Parliamentarians from the House of Lords, House of Commons, senior officials of the British Foreign and Commonwealth office, High Commissioners and Ambassadors from the Diplomatic Corps based in London and many other VIPs attended. The High Commission had been decorated elegantly and guests were entertained by the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and live opera.

The Vice Marshall of the Diplomatic Corps, Simon Martin proposing the toast to His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa said that they are very pleased that the Government of Sri Lanka has appointed a High Commissioner who has a wide knowledge about Britain and its people. He mentioned that Dr Nonis has already engaged very well with British society, the diplomatic community and the Diaspora, within a short period of time.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Dr Nonis said that Sri Lanka has achieved peace under the leadership of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa and has in place comprehensive reconciliation and development programmes. He requested the diaspora and other well wishers of Sri Lanka to actively get involved in the on going economic and social development efforts, especially to achieve growth with equity and ensure the peace dividend accrues to the rural areas as well. Dr Nonis emphasised that rather than being influenced by adverse media campaigns by a few interested groups, he instead invited all those in Britain to personally visit Sri Lanka to observe the true facts and ascertain for themselves the substantial progress made by Sri Lanka in the post conflict era.

Dr Nonis is the youngest High Commissioner appointed by the Government of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom.

Sri Lanka High Commission
London

19th November 2011

( Photo: Rohan Herath )