Sri Lanka’s High Commission in the UK Takes Part in Bedford River Festival 2024
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the Association of Professional Sri Lankans in the UK (APSL) participated in the Bedford River Festival from 20-21 July 2024 by hosting a Sri Lanka Stand showcasing Ceylon tea and handcrafts. The High Commission’s involvement in the Bedford River Festival was the second time, attracting over 250,000 visitors during the biannual event.
The opening ceremony of the Stand took place on 20 July with High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Mrs. Deepthi Bogollagama, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Christopher Sharwood-Smith MBE, High Sheriff for Bedford Bav Shah, and members of various Sri Lankan associations in the UK.
High Commissioner Bogollagama highlighted the historical connections between Bedfordshire and Sri Lanka, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s rich history in irrigation and waterways. He also spoke about the economic progress in Sri Lanka under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership, aiming to boost exports, investment, and tourism to the UK. High Commissioner Bogollagama encouraged the Sri Lanka Leukaemia Foundation to increase donations from UK corporates.
Various dignitaries, including Member of the House of Commons for Bedford and Kempston Mohammad Yasin and Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton, visited the Sri Lanka Stand to show their support. Guests enjoyed Ceylon Tea and Sri Lankan cookies while engaging in discussions with High Commissioner Bogollagama.
The festival also featured cultural segments with traditional Sri Lankan dances and drumming, contributing to the overall success of the event in promoting Sri Lanka’s interests in the UK.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom and the Association of Professional Sri Lankans in the UK participated in the Bedford River Festival. Highlights included a Sri Lanka Stand featuring Ceylon tea and handcrafts, opened by High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama. The event aimed to promote Sri Lanka’s exports, tourism, and investment opportunities in the UK. Special Ceylon Tea tasting sessions were conducted, traditional Sri Lankan dances and drumming were showcased, and handcrafted items were sold to raise funds for the Sri Lanka Leukaemia Foundation in the UK. This event demonstrated efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s presence in the UK.
