HRH Princess Anne receiving a token of appreciation from members of the English Speaking Union

• Visit celebrates 75 years of British Council’s presence in Sri Lanka

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe

The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence visit to the British Council office marks two landmark occasions for the British Council as it not only celebrates 75 years of its presence in Sri Lanka but 2024 also marks the landmark 90th anniversary of the British Council which was founded in 1934.

During their visit, the Princess and her spouse witnessed how the British Council had supported many young people to fulfil their potential through their work in Education, English, Arts and cultural exchange. The dignitaries witnessed several key events including the Arches of Awe exhibition which presented a flashback of key moments that took place when late Queen Elizabeth II visited Sri Lanka in 1954 accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.  The exhibition featured photographs of 21 arches erected across Colombo to welcome the royal guests back in 1954.

The dignitaries then met with several key partners who have joined hands with the British Council to celebrate 75 years of longstanding diplomatic relations between the UK and Sri Lanka. These include the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the National Trust Sri Lanka, Ceylon Theatres, Scope Cinemas Pvt. Ltd., Agenda 14, The Gratiaen Trust and the Design Development Corporation.

The Royal guests then had a brief meeting with members of the English Speaking Union of Sri Lanka, a representative member of the Headquarters in Dartmouth House, London. Its main objective is to promote the value of effective communication around the globe and to help people realize their potential. Her Royal Highness Princess Anne spoke to several winners who had participated in international public speaking competitions over the years. The Royal guests also took their time to listen to a speech delivered by Shaakya Nathavitharana, one of six finalists at the 2023 grand finale.

The Princess and her spouse then met with several fashion graduates who have pursued their higher studies in the UK. More than 45,000 Sri Lankan students pursue UK qualifications annually, enrolling with various UK universities while studying within Sri Lanka. Institutions such as the University of London, University of Plymouth, Northumbria University and De Montfort University are at the forefront, providing fashion-related courses in the country.

Prior to their departure, HRH Princess Anne unveiled a plaque to commemorate their visit and to mark the 75th anniversary of the British Council of Sri Lanka.