31 January 2018 01:23 pm
The royal couple will attend the 70th anniversary celebration of Sri Lanka’s independence representing Queen Elizabeth II.
Issuing a statement, the British High Commission said 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, Australia,” it said.
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris said it is a delight 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,” he said.
His Royal Highness The Prince Edward is the youngest child of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Earl and Countess will also travel to Kandy where they will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens.