High Commission of Sri Lanka, London facts for kids

Quick facts for kids High Commission of Sri Lanka in London ශ්‍රී ලංකා මහ කොමසාරිස් කාර්යාලය, ලන්ඩනය
Location	Bayswater, London
Address	13 Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2 2LU
Coordinates	51°30′46.2″N 0°10′15.1″W / 51.512833°N 0.170861°W / 51.512833; -0.170861
High Commissioner	Saroja Sirisena

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London is like Sri Lanka's special office in the United Kingdom. It's where representatives from Sri Lanka work to keep good relationships with the UK. They handle official business and help Sri Lankan citizens living or visiting there.

This office is also known by its Sinhala name, Shri Lanka Maha Komasaris Karyalaya Landanaya.

Sri Lanka's Office in London

The story of Sri Lanka's office in London began before Sri Lanka became fully independent. In 1946, a person named Claude Corea was chosen to represent the government of Ceylon (which was the old name for Sri Lanka).

Opening the High Commission

On February 4, 1948, Ceylon gained its "self-rule" or independence from Britain. This meant Ceylon could now govern itself. After this big step, the High Commission of the Dominion of Ceylon officially opened its doors. This happened on October 22, 1948, at 13 Hyde Park Gardens in London.

This was a very important moment! It was the second overseas office Ceylon opened. More importantly, it was the very first embassy-like office Ceylon set up after becoming an independent country.

A New Name for a New Era

In 1972, Ceylon changed its name to the Republic of Sri Lanka. Because of this, the office in London also got a new name. It became known as the High Commission of the Republic of Sri Lanka. It continues to serve as Sri Lanka's main diplomatic office in the UK today.

Images for kids

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  A plaque outside the High Commission. It shows the Emblem of Sri Lanka and text in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.