History of the High Commission

Established on 22 October 1948, shortly after Sri Lanka gained independence, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom was the country's second overseas diplomatic mission and the first to commence operations after independence.

The Mission's foundations were laid by Sir Claude Corea, who served as Ceylonese Representative to the United Kingdom from 1946 and later as High Commissioner. His distinguished diplomatic service helped shape Sri Lanka's international presence during its formative years. He was succeeded by Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, the first Ceylonese High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

For more than seven decades, the High Commission has worked to strengthen the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. Today, it promotes bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, and tourism, represents Sri Lanka's interests, provides consular and diplomatic services, and supports the Sri Lankan community across the United Kingdom while fostering closer ties between the two countries.