The Earl and Countess of Wessex in Sri Lanka to celebrate young people and the Commonwealth
Their Royal Highnesses visit will focus on the long-standing UK and Sri Lanka relationship, the Commonwealth, education and young people.
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
His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, arrived in Sri Lanka today. Their five day visit will focus on the long-standing UK and Sri Lanka relationship, the Commonwealth, education and young people.
During the visit Their Royal Highnesses 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.
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.
His Royal Highness The Prince Edward is the youngest child of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Their Royal Highnesses will represent Her Majesty 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.