Earl and Countess of Wessex arrive in Sri Lanka to celebrate young people and Commonwealth

The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrive in Sri Lanka and are welcomed by Sri Lankan State Minister of Foreign Affairs Wasantha Senanayake and Mrs. Senanayake

Earl of Wessex Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (31). Their five day visit will focus on the long-standing UK and Sri Lanka relationship, the Commonwealth, education and young people.  

During the visit they will meet young people overcoming challenges from a variety of communities across Sri Lanka. During their visit to the Schools for the Deaf and Blind in Ratmalana, they will meet able and differently-abled young people following the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, and witness how the scheme helps the communication impaired integrate into society in meaningful ways. 

The Royal couple will also meet with young athletes and para-athletes who will represent Sri Lanka at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. 

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris said: “We are delighted to have The Earl and Countess of Wessex in Sri Lanka to celebrate the strong links between our two countries, young people and the Commonwealth. Their visit comes just two months before we host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London and allows us to celebrate our Commonwealth links and the important role young people will play in developing its potential.”

Prince Edward is the youngest child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. They will represent The Queen at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sri Lanka’s independence on Sunday. 

The Earl and Countess will also travel to Kandy where they will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens.