President arrives in London to attend Queen’s jubilee celebrations

President Mahinda Rajapaksa accompanied by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa Arrived in London yesterday to attend the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II.

Two Sri Lankan children and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in UK, Dr. Chris Nonis along with his staff welcomed President and the First Lady at the Heathrow International Airport in London.

During his visit to London, President Rajapaksa and the First Lady are scheduled to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace and a concert, Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a reception at Guildhall and a lunch hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamlesh Sharma in honour of the Queen, the Government Media Unit said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will also make a special address at the Commonwealth Economic Forum organised by the Commonwealth Business Council and the City of London.

Following his London visit, the President and the First Lady will visit Vatican and have an audience with the Pope. The President will have a private meeting with the Pope at the Papal Library.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will also participate in Vesak celebrations organised by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Rome at the FAO headquarters.

Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Parliamentarian Sajin de Vass Gunawardena and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga also accompanied the President.