• First Sri Lankan envoy to present credentials to King Charles III
• Presents the king with an exclusive selection of James Taylor Premium Ceylon Tea, symbolizing its UK lineage 
• High Commissioner returns in horse carriages, concluding with the ceremonial feeding of carrots to the horses

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Rohitha Bogollagama, extended an invitation to King Charles III to visit Sri Lanka, while presenting his Letter of Credence at Buckingham Palace.  

 Accompanied by his spouse, Deepthi Bogollagama, they arrived at the palace in traditional horse carriages from the Royal Mews.  

The Sri Lankan High Commission said that Bogollagama is the first Sri Lankan envoy to present credentials to King Charles III.  

On behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the High Commissioner extended an invitation to the King to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka.  

Discussions during the audience centred on the enduring relations between the two countries, Sri Lanka’s role in the Commonwealth, and the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa.  

As a gesture of goodwill, the High Commissioner presented King Charles III with an exclusive selection of James Taylor Premium Ceylon Tea, symbolizing its UK lineage. Sir Philip Barton from the FCDO also attended the ceremony.  

Following the presentation, the High Commissioner and his entourage returned to the High Commission in horse carriages, concluding with the ceremonial feeding of carrots to the horses.