President leaves for London on a three-day visit

President Maithripala Sirisena accompanied by First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena today left for the United Kingdom on a three-day official visit.

He boarded an Emirates flight at around 10.08am this morning.

President Sirisena, as the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, will attend the Commonwealth Day Observances on 9th March, according to the International Media Unit of the President’s Office said.
 
Young people, schools, communities and civil society organizations on the second Monday in March every year celebrate Commonwealth Day across the Commonwealth. It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organizations. The theme for 2015 is ‘A Young Commonwealth’.
 
The day is marked by a range of activities, including a multi-faith Observance at Westminster Abbey in London, UK, followed by a reception hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma.
 
The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the event.
 
The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting will also take place on the 12th March.
 
In his three-day official visit to UK, President Sirisena is expected to hold talks with the British Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron.
 
Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, Deputy Minister Mr. Ajith P. Perera and many senior government officials are accompanying the President.