The Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary attended the reception held to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), attended a formal reception at the ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel in Colombo yesterday (March 05) to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

Representing the nation's security establishment, the officials joined a distinguished gathering to mark the British Monarch's birthday. The Minister of Justice and National Integration, Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Upon their arrival, the guests were warmly received by the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Andrew Patrick.

In his welcome address, the High Commissioner underscored the enduring relationship between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, noting a trajectory of increasing cooperation across key sectors. Further he reaffirmed the UK's commitment to strengthening ties with the Sri Lankan government by fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural partnerships.

The evening was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, senior military officers and several other distinguished guests.

The reception served as a significant testament to the long standing diplomatic ties and the robust partnership shared between the two nations.