Colombo: The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended a formal reception at the ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel in Colombo to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. Representing the nation’s security establishment, the officials joined a gathering to mark the British Monarch’s birthday. The Minister of Justice and National Integration, Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Upon their arrival, the guests were received by the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Andrew Patrick.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, in his welcome address, the High Commissioner underscored the enduring relationship between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, noting a trajectory of increasing cooperation across key sectors. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Sri Lankan government by fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural partnerships.

The
evening was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, senior military officers, and several other guests. The reception served as a testament to the diplomatic ties and the partnership shared between the two nations.