In a momentous event at Westminster Cathedral Hall, UK, High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama captivated the audience as he addressed the esteemed Friends of Sri Lanka Association (FoSLA) on November 29, 2023.
FoSLA, a distinguished non-profit established in the 1980s, has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. Founded by former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mr A. C. S. Hameed and the late Sir John Nicholas KCVO, FoSLA boasts influential figures like Shelton Perera and is currently chaired by the accomplished Sir Peter Heap KCMG.
During his address, High Commissioner Bogollagama provided insights into Sri Lanka’s evolving economic landscape, emphasizing its resilience and strategic positioning as the ‘Centre Point’ connecting the East, Far East, Middle East, and the West. With a focus on attracting investments, especially in technology and greenfield projects, Sri Lanka is poised for significant growth.
Expressing gratitude, Bogollagama commended FoSLA for its non-political stance and commitment to soft diplomacy. The association, with around 400 members including former British diplomats and industry leaders, serves as a vital platform to strengthen bilateral ties between the UK and Sri Lanka.
Acknowledging FoSLA’s contribution, Bogollagama thanked Sir Peter Heap KCMG and all members for their continuous support. The Annual Lunch, a highlight on FoSLA’s calendar organized by Chamali Fernando, former UK Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, remains a testament to the passionate individuals fostering friendship around Sri Lanka. As High Commissioner Bogollagama’s address resonates, a new chapter of collaboration and growth unfolds between the two nations.
Provided herewith is the official press release for your perusal.
PRESS RELEASE
High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama Addresses the Friends of Sri Lanka Association (FoSLA), United Kingdom
High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama addressed the Friends of Sri Lanka Association (FoSLA) in the United Kingdom on 29 November 2023 at the Westminster Cathedral Hall, London The Friends of Sri Lanka Association is a prestigious and collaborative non-profit founded in England in the 1980s by a former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mr A. C. S. Hameed and the late Sir John Nicholas KCVO (British High Commissioner 1979-84), with key allies such as Shelton Perera (the first non-British partner at the UK law firm Farrar & Co, who are advisors to the Crown). Hameed recognised the need for strategic posts such as London, England to have an effective back-up organisation supporting the work of the diplomatic mission.
FoSLA is currently chaired by Sir Peter Heap KCMG who had an illustrious 37-year-long career with the UK foreign office. The vice chair is Linda Duffield CMG (British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka 1999 – 2002). FoSLA has around 400 members compromising former British diplomats, professionals, and captains of industry.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Bogollagama presented an overview and the latest on the economic and investment climate and the opportunities in Sri Lanka and stated that Sri Lanka has gone through various stages of international relations and domestic compulsions, but has always been a resilient, while overcoming challenges, whatever the issues confronted and getting into development stages. Sri Lanka’s geopolitical positioning as the ‘Centre Point’ in terms of development and accessibility among the East, Far East, Middle East, and the West, and to a larger market in South Asia having nearly a 2 billion population, has created an immense advantage for the country. Sri Lanka, with the correct infrastructure, common legal system, independence of the judicial, ensured rule of law, English language education, a highly educated and adoptable workforce with technical skills, a good road network, tourism and other infrastructure etc., is well on track to attract new investments such as greenfield and especially tech-investments and innovations.
High Commissioner Bogollagama further stated that FoSLA, which is a major platform for Sri Lanka, and will continue to support on Sri Lanka as a non-political organisation and uses it skills in soft diplomacy to promote trade, tourism and investment between the UK and Sri Lanka, thereby strengthening bilateral ties. High Commissioner Bogollagama also thanked Sir Peter Heap KCMG, and all the members of the FoSLA for giving an opportunity for Sri Lanka
The Annual Lunch is the highlight of FoSLA’s events calendar, organised by Chamali Fernando, the Events Secretary – who incidentally was the former UK Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cambridge – and divides her time between working as an attorney and bringing together people who are passionate about fostering friendship around Sri Lanka.
