Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera held talks with visiting British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Hugo Swire at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Minister Swire stated that the purpose of his visit was to convey the UK Government’s desire to work closely with the newly elected government of President Maithripala Sirisena and to convey a special message from Prime Minister David Cameron. 

The two Ministers reviewed bilateral relations including exchange of high level visits, prospects for enhanced economic and technical cooperation and support for addressing the human rights and accountability issues. Minister Swire also discussed with Foreign Minister Samaraweera collaboration in re-invigorating the Commonwealth in Sri Lanka’s capacity as the current Chair of the Commonwealth. 

Minister Swire called on President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and traveled to the Northern Province during his visit to Sri Lanka. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo 

30th January 2015