Matthew visited the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre to celebrate  Sri Lanka ’s 62nd Independence Anniversary. During the visit Matthew was shown a photographic exhibition on Sri Lanka and the country’s relationship with the United Kingdom by The Venerable Galay aye Piyadassi MBE.

Matthew said, “Recent events in Sri Lanka have led the rest of the world to focus on the problems of the country but the exhibition showed positive history such as Sirimavo Bandaranaike becoming Prime Minister in July 1920 - the world's first female prime minister and the first female head of government in Asia.

Matthew is pictured with Mr Chandra Monerawela and The Venerable Galay aye Piyadassi MBE

8th February 2010