Commemoration of 75th Anniversary of Royal Commonwealth Society - Sri Lanka

Royal Commonwealth Society 

Sri Lanka President Ifthikhar Aziz 

Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens 

Outgoing President Gen. Thilak Paranagama installs President Elect Ifthikhar Aziz as the new President of the Royal Commonwealth Society. From left: Committee member Gamini Pedris, Vice President Suren Ediriweera, Gen.Paranagama, Ifthikhar Aziz, and Vice President Kadirgamarajah

Malaysian High Commissioner Badli Hisham Adam, South African High Commissioner Sandile Edwin Schalk, New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Appleton, British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh, Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens, Royal Commonwealth Society Sri Lanka President Ifthikhar Aziz and Maldivian High Commissioner Ali Faiz 

Newly appointed Royal Commonwealth Executive Committee members: Front row from left: Treasurer Rohan Victoria, Secretary Nishanie Gunasekera, Immediate Past President Gen. Tilak Paranagama, President Ifthikhar Aziz, Vice President Kadirgama Rajah, Vice President Suren Ediriweera

Back row from left: Committee member Harsha Perera, Committee member Hiran Seneviratna, Executive Committee Member Charnika Imbulana Munasinghe, Executive Committee Member Thulakshana Liyanage, Executive Committee Member Marshad Barry, Executive Committee Member Gamini Pedris, Executive Committee Member Dr. Vijaya Corea, Executive Committee Member Dilrukshini Kulatunga, Assistant Secretary Nipunika Adikari

 Vice President Kadirgama Rajah, Secretary Nishanie Gunasekera, Australian High Commissioner HE Paul Stephens

A jubilant celebration marked the Diamond Jubilee of the Royal Commonwealth Society -  Sri Lanka, recently at the Hotel Galadari. 

The event, attended by distinguished guests and dignitaries from Commonwealth nations, was a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and friendship that defines this remarkable international organisation.

The occasion was graced by the presence of six esteemed guests of honour, each representing their respective Commonwealth nations, and accompanied by their spouses. Among these distinguished individuals were Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner Michael Appelton, New Zealand High Commissioner, Malaysian High Commissioner Badli Hisham Adam, Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh, Maldivian High Commissioner Ali Faiz, South African High Commissioner Sandile Edwin Schalk. Their presence underscored the significance of this celebration on a global scale.

The Chief Guest for this momentous occasion was Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens who graced the event with a stirring and insightful speech that resonated with the spirit of the Commonwealth.

During the festivities, the newly appointed Royal Commonwealth Society - Sri Lanka President Ifthikhar Aziz, raised a heartfelt toast to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Head of the Commonwealth of Nations, and Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society – Sri Lanka Branch King Charles III. President Aziz also raised a toast to President Ranil Wickremesinghe who is also the Vice Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society - Sri Lanka Branch, acknowledging the crucial role played by Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth.

To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, a beautifully adorned cake was cut by Aziz, the guests of honour, and the Chief Guest, symbolising the unity and shared values of the Commonwealth nations.

The Commonwealth, a unique association of 56 diverse nations, was founded 92 years ago on 11 December 1931. Since its inception, it has stood as a testament to the principles of equality, democracy, and cooperation among nations. This celebration served as a reminder of the enduring strength and relevance of this unique international organisation.

In his address, President Ifthikhar Aziz outlined his vision and goals for the Royal Commonwealth Society - Sri Lanka under his leadership. He emphasised the society’s commitment to nurturing the youth, strengthening trade relations, and fostering overall growth as a society. President Aziz also expressed his earnest desire to build robust and enduring relationships with Commonwealth nations, further enhancing Sri Lanka’s standing on the global stage.

The Royal Commonwealth Society - Sri Lanka Branch welcomes new members, both for our dynamic Youth Council and as General Members to join its ranks. For those interested in becoming a part of this esteemed organisation and contributing to its noble mission, contact the secretary at [email protected].

The 75th Anniversary celebration of the Royal Commonwealth Society - Sri Lanka was not merely an event of significance for its members but also a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds that tie together the diverse nations of the Commonwealth. The Royal Commonwealth Society is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting cooperation, understanding, and progress among the Commonwealth nations.