FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, March 7, 2015

The President Leaves for London on a Three-Day Official Visit
President Maithripala Sirisena and First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena left for the United
Kingdom on a three-day official visit this morning.
President Sirisena, as the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth, will attend the
Commonwealth Day Observances on the ninth.
Young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations 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 cooperation and the work of Commonwealth organisations. 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.
Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by His Royal Highness
the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the event.
On the sidelines of the Commonwealth Day Observances, the Commonwealth Ministerial
Action Group (CMAG) meeting will also take place on the twelfth.
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 will be accompanying the President.