-By LeN Diplomatic Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -04.Aug.2025, 11.20 PM) LONDON, In a diplomatic overture underscoring the strength of Sri Lanka’s ties with its expatriate communities in the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mr. Nimal Senadheera, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, met with representatives of COSMOS UK, one of the leading Sri Lankan Muslim diaspora organisations, at the High Commission premises in London on Friday.
The courtesy meeting—His Excelancy , Mr. Senadheera’s first formal engagement with the organisation since assuming office on 16 June 2025—served as both a ceremonial welcome and a substantive exchange of ideas on enhancing community collaboration between Sri Lanka and the UK.
Led by COSMOS UK President Mr. Shakeer Nawas, the delegation included General Secretary Mr. Sifan Naeem, Treasurer Mr. Hidayatullah Hannifa, Executive Committee Members Ms. Sameeha Rafeek and Mr. Rizwan Whab (also a past President), and Mr. Segu Razeen, President of the Sri Lankan Muslim Cultural Centre (SLMCC) in Harrow.
Mr. Nawas, speaking on behalf of the delegation, offered warm congratulations to the High Commissioner on his appointment and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue. “We hope this marks the beginning of an even more productive partnership between the Sri Lankan High Commission and our community-led initiatives here in the UK,” he said.
The meeting touched on a wide range of issues—from COSMOS UK’s foundational projects and community programmes to shared efforts in delivering consular services and fostering parliamentary engagement.
Particular emphasis was placed on the group’s longstanding partnership with the Sri Lankan High Commission in organising annual events such as Independence Day celebrations, Ramadan Iftar gatherings, and cultural exchanges. Mr. Nawas also highlighted COSMOS UK’s collaboration with Vice President Mr. Hussain Fiyaz and regional affiliates to bring mobile consular services to Manchester—a service that is now being considered for expansion to cities including York and Leicester.
In addition to community welfare, the delegation shared its vision for renewed political engagement through the UK Parliament. Plans are currently underway to reconstitute the All-Party Parliamentary Group for COSMOS (APPG COSMOS), a cross-party platform aimed at strengthening dialogue between British lawmakers and the Sri Lankan Muslim diaspora.
“Engagement at Westminster is vital,” noted a committee member after the meeting. “It ensures our community has a voice on issues that affect both their lives here and their connections to Sri Lanka.”
According to attendees, Mr. Senadheera was not merely a ceremonial host but an active listener who offered measured responses and committed to acting on a number of community concerns raised during the meeting. Also present was Mr. Sameera Dayasekara, First Secretary at the High Commission, who was acknowledged for his ongoing support to the community.
In a joint statement following the meeting, COSMOS UK extended “sincere appreciation” to the High Commissioner and his staff for their hospitality and willingness to engage in open dialogue.
The encounter marks a promising start to what COSMOS UK hopes will be a renewed and strengthened partnership with the diplomatic mission in London—one that blends cultural heritage with civic engagement in the service of both home and host nations.
By LeN Diplomatic Correspondent
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by (2025-08-04 19:03:54)
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