Princess Anne appreciates potential of Sri Lanka’s youth

13 January 2024 07:49 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe

Colombo, Jan 13 (Daily Mirror) - 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.

Comments - 14

Rajiv De Silva Saturday, 13 January 2024 08:28 AM

I do not see any youth in the photo though.

Wasting resources on them Sunday, 14 January 2024 11:32 AM

These “royalties” are redundant these days. They are just for ceremonial purposes with no impact on their decisions unlike their ancestors. Jus wasting time

Dulanjoli Premadosa Saturday, 13 January 2024 08:44 AM

Potential for cunninlingus.

Jude Saturday, 13 January 2024 09:05 AM

Our youth have absolutely NO potential! Most youth at the passport office, wants to get out of miracle of Asia!! Others no money buy rope to hang themselves!!

Rb Saturday, 13 January 2024 06:08 PM

There is nothing to talk except telling lies

Smh Saturday, 13 January 2024 07:22 PM

What else can she say? She's being polite and kind. She knows the youth will need to leave SL to reach their potential. The educational and vocational training system in SL has failed to deliver for generations.

Full aathal Sunday, 14 January 2024 12:27 AM

What potential? Many are striving

Full aathal Sunday, 14 January 2024 12:27 AM

What potential? Many are striving

Full aathal Sunday, 14 January 2024 12:27 AM

What potential? Many are striving

DOT Sunday, 14 January 2024 05:22 AM

Sorry Madam, Please try to understand that why our youth are flying away? They do not see any potential.

Wasting Sunday, 14 January 2024 12:27 PM

Absolutely, these so called “royals” just wasting resources of their own country

DOT Sunday, 14 January 2024 07:04 AM

Sorry, princess, if this is your understanding, you have not seen Sri Lanka!

Vive James Sunday, 14 January 2024 08:06 AM

Boru Potential? Most of them will become impotent because of malnutrition. All looks like lean and hungry looking. Been to Rata recently. Pathetic

ANNECUNT Sunday, 14 January 2024 02:44 PM

Plese do not give visa to Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa and his immediate family members to enter u.k. mahinda stole Tseumani relief fund money and got MARRIOT HOTEL in DUBAI Gota got 3 houses in usa under his wifes name and 4 houses for his son Basil got 3 houses under his wife name

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Princess Anne appreciates potential of Sri Lanka’s youth

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