This week, a high-level delegation from the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, is visiting the United Kingdom. 

The four-day visit, facilitated by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and funded by UK International Development, focuses on institutional frameworks and practices that promote transparency, accountability, and effective legislation.

The delegation includes Speaker of Parliament Jagath Wickramaratne, Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, and Assistant Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne.

The delegation met with Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.

Taking to ‘X’, UK High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, said he was accompanying the ministerial delegation for exchanges to deepen cooperation and strengthen governance between the two nations. 

The British High Commissioner further said that the tour was conducted as part of efforts to strengthen the Parliamentary partnership between the countries. (Newswire)

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Haleon’s Sri Lanka manufacturing facility in Ratmalana, had the honour of hosting UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka Lord Hannett of Everton. He was accompanied by Mr. Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner, Ms.Anna Shotbolt, Deputy Trade Commissioner, South Asia, Ms. Mara Waters, Director of Trade, Sri Lanka, Ms. Asanthi Fernando, Deputy Head of Trade & Investment and Ms. Shameema Yusuf, UK Trade Envoy Relationship Manager, APAC & South Asia.

The visit provided Haleon Sri Lanka with a unique opportunity to showcase current initiatives and ambitious future plans aimed at fostering innovation and driving economic development. The delegation was taken through a comprehensive tour of Haleon’s Liquid and Tablet manufacturing facilities, highlighting its impressive legacy and operations. The unit not only delivers quality healthcare to Sri Lankans but also exports to other markets globally.

The Ratmalana manufacturing facility stands as a testament to Haleon’s enduring commitment to delivering better everyday health with humanity.

Chanaka Wanniarachchi, Managing Director, Sri Lanka & Maldives, Haleon Lanka, “Since 1956, Haleon has contributed to providing high-quality medicines that meet global standards, while investing in the development of Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical workforce. As an industry leader, we are proud to have created meaningful employment, transferred critical skills, and helped strengthen the country’s healthcare ecosystem. Our efforts support a healthier and more skilled nation, as well as further deepen the longstanding UK–Sri Lanka partnership in pharmaceutical technology and healthcare innovation.”

Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, “It was a pleasure to visit Haleon’s Ratmalana facility and witness the remarkable contribution it continues to make to Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. This site not only reflects the strength of the UK–Sri Lanka trade and investment partnership but also highlights the value of long-standing British businesses in empowering local talent, advancing innovation, and supporting sustainable economic development.”

The Haleon Sri Lanka facility, part of the global consumer healthcare company Haleon UK (erstwhile GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Health), has been proudly managed by Sri Lankans since 1956, and is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of consumers. Haleon’s extensive portfolio includes well-known brands such as Sensodyne, Panadol, ENO, Iodex, Corsodyl, Voltaren and Piritonthat help millions of Sri Lankans live healthier lives. Sensodyne provides effective relief from tooth sensitivity, allowing individuals to enjoy their favorite foods and drinks without discomfort. Panadol offers fast and effective pain relief, while ENO helps with quick relief from acidity and indigestion. Iodex provides targeted relief for muscle pain, and Corsodyl supports gum health. Voltaren is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Together, these trusted brands contribute to the overall well-being and health of the community.

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Haleon (LSE/NYSE: HLN) is a global leader in consumer health, with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon’s product portfolio spans six major categories – Oral Health, Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS), Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health and Therapeutic Skin Health and Other. Its long-standing brands are built on trusted science, innovation and deep human understanding.

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The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick has hosted Ven. Wadigala Samitharathana Thero, the first Buddhist monk in many years to study at Oxford.

Taking to ‘X’, the British High Commissioner said Ven. Wadigala Samitharathana Thero’s remarkable journey reflects the power of education and the enduring ties between England and Sri Lanka. 

In December 2024, it was reported that St Cross College at the University of Oxford welcomed Venerable Wadigala Samitharathana as the first Sri Lankan Buddhist monk to attend the university in 105 years.

Venerable Samitharathana, a Glorisun Scholar, is pursuing an MPhil in Buddhist Studies at the college, marking a historic milestone for both Sri Lanka and Oxford.

St Cross College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England, known for its vibrant and diverse academic community.

The last Sri Lankan Buddhist monk to study at Oxford was Venerable Suriyagoda Sumangala, who became the first monk to receive a scholarship there in 1919. He enrolled as a non-collegiate student and later pursued a BLitt at Harris Manchester College. (Newswire)

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Andrew Patrick has been appointed as High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Sri Lanka.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, Andrew Patrick presented his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today.

The appointment has been made by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with the concurrence of the Government of Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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