Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya concluded a successful official visit to the United Kingdom from 18 to 22 May 2026.The visit was undertaken to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 and to advance bilateral, academic, and community engagement.

The Prime Minister commenced her programme with academic engagements at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, where she addressed the 60th anniversary celebration. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister reflected on the relationship between politics, governance, and development, drawing from Sri Lanka’s recent political and economic experiences. She emphasized the challenges of balancing governance, economic recovery, social protection, and institutional reform while responding to public expectations and maintaining democratic accountability. 

The Prime Minister subsequently delivered the 2026 Annual Lecture at the St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, organized by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA). Addressing the audience comprising students, academics, and researchers from across the University of Oxford, the Prime Minister reflected on the intersections of development, governance, and politics in Sri Lanka while discussing the broader realities faced by country attempting to achieve meaningful social and economic reform. During her visit to Oxford, she also engaged with scholars and Sri Lankan fellows of the Chevening CRISP programme.

During the visit, Prime Minister Amarasuriya held bilateral discussions with Rt Hon. Yvette Cooper Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom. During the discussions, Prime Minister Amarasuriya conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support following Cyclone Ditwah, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance, and commended the UK’s continued efforts to facilitate increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka. She also briefed the UK side on Sri Lanka’s economic developments and policy priorities, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to human rights, reconciliation, and the country’s positive growth trajectory. Both sides exchanged views on global geopolitical developments, energy challenges, and regional connectivity, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At a discussion with Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson, UK Secretary of State for Education Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of sustaining meaningful institutional partnerships, enhancing quality assurance in higher education, and expanding opportunities for students and educators. Both sides reaffirmed the long-standing and historic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom in education and expressed interest in further deepening collaboration in student mobility, joint programmes, and research. 

The Prime Minister also met with academic experts from the British Council at the High Commission in London to discuss strengthening cooperation in education. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills. The meeting also addressed ways to improve quality assurance, expand research collaboration, and enhance learning opportunities for students and educators.

The Prime Minister attended the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 from 21 to 22 May 2026. She met with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, at the Commonwealth Secretariat, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation within the Commonwealth framework, including climate change, climate finance, democratic governance, and women’s political participation. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and collaboration in areas including climate finance and electoral governance.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya visited the London Buddhist Vihara ahead of its upcoming centenary celebrations, where she met with the Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and Head of the London Buddhist Vihara and discussed the preparations for the celebrations and the Vihara’s longstanding contribution to the Sri Lankan community. She subsequently engaged with members of the Sri Lankan community at a separate community event.

Concluding her successful official visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (23 May) via Bandaranaike International Airport.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, at Marlborough House in London on 21 May.

The meeting took place during the official visit of the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to London, United Kingdom, for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, which commenced today. Prime Minister Amarasuriya met with the Secretary-General to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and shared priorities within the Commonwealth framework. During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Commonwealth’s engagement with Sri Lanka and commended the Secretary-General’s leadership in enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the Commonwealth.

Discussions focused on climate change, climate finance, democratic governance, women’s political participation, and ongoing Commonwealth support for member states. The Prime Minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to resilience-building, sustainable development, and inclusive governance, while appreciating the continued engagement and support extended by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and collaboration in areas including climate finance and electoral governance.

Both sides also exchanged views on upcoming Commonwealth engagements and underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states to address shared global challenges. High Commissioner Nimal Senadeera and senior officers of the High Commission of Sri Lanka accompanied the Prime Minister to the meeting.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on 20 May 2026.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.

The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.

Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.

The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.

Primeminister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on the 20th and engaged in cordial discussions.

Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.

Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.

Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.

Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr Harini Amarasuriya, held bilateral discussions with  Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom, on 20th May 2026, during her official visit to the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister was accompanied by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom and other officials from the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. 

The meeting emphasised the importance of sustaining meaningful institutional partnerships, enhancing quality assurance in higher education, and expanding opportunities for students and educators. Both sides reaffirmed the long-standing and historic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom in education and expressed interest in further deepening collaboration in student mobility, joint programmes, and research.

The Prime Minister appreciated existing UK-supported initiatives, such as the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme, noting their significant contribution to capacity building in Sri Lanka and their role in fostering long-term people-to-people linkages.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya also outlined Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the higher education system through improved regulatory frameworks and enhanced quality assurance mechanisms. The UK side shared relevant experience and best practices in maintaining academic standards and safeguarding student interests.

The discussion further covered broad education reform initiatives in Sri Lanka and the strengthening of vocational education pathways. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue strengthening education cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya is currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026.

During the visit on 20 May 2026, the Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with the Rt Hon. Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister briefed the UK side on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.

The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.

Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

Prime Minister’s Media Division