The newly-arrived British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, John Rankin, presented his letter of credence from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to President President Mahinda Rajapakse on Monday, 14 February, 2011 at a formal ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat. The High Commissioner expressed to the President his desire to build on the close historic ties between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. He assured the President of the UK’s support for the fostering of sustainable peace.
The High Commissioner offered to the President the United Kingdom’s condolences in respect of those who had suffered during the recent floods in Sri Lanka. Rankin said he was pleased that the UK had been able to contribute towards the emergency response. The High Commissioner also welcomed the increased trade, investment and tourism between the UK and Sri Lanka, which are in the interests of both countries.