The visit was undertaken to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning Board of Governors Meeting 2026 and to strengthen bilateral relations, academic cooperation, and engagement with the Sri Lankan community in the UK.
During the visit, the Prime Minister participated in several academic engagements, beginning with the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex, where she delivered an address. She also delivered the 2026 Annual Lecture at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford, organised by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA).
While in Oxford, Prime Minister Amarasuriya met with scholars and Sri Lankan fellows of the Chevening CRISP programme.
The Prime Minister also held bilateral discussions with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon. Yvette Cooper. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support following Cyclone Ditwah, including ongoing recovery and rebuilding assistance. She also acknowledged the UK’s efforts to support increased bilateral trade and export opportunities for Sri Lanka.
The discussions further covered Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, with the Prime Minister reaffirming the Government’s commitment to human rights, reconciliation, and sustainable economic growth. Both sides exchanged views on global geopolitical developments, energy challenges, and regional connectivity, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
At a separate meeting with UK Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson, Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships, quality assurance in higher education, and expanding opportunities for students and educators. Both parties expressed interest in deepening collaboration in areas such as student mobility, joint academic programmes, and research partnerships.
The Prime Minister also met with academic experts from the British Council at the Sri Lankan High Commission in London. Discussions focused on teacher training, English language education, education frameworks, research collaboration, and improving learning opportunities for students and educators.
As part of the official programme, Prime Minister Amarasuriya attended the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting held from May 21 to 22. She also met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at the Commonwealth Secretariat. Their discussions centred on cooperation within the Commonwealth framework, including climate change, climate finance, democratic governance, and women’s political participation.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s continued support for Sri Lanka through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and cooperation in areas such as climate finance and electoral governance.
During the visit, the Prime Minister paid a visit to the London Buddhist Vihara ahead of its upcoming centenary celebrations. She met with Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, and discussed preparations for the milestone event as well as the Vihara’s longstanding service to the Sri Lankan community in the UK.
She also met with members of the Sri Lankan community at a separate community engagement event before concluding her visit.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday morning (23) via Bandaranaike International Airport, the statement added.
