The British High Commission represents the British Government in its relations with the Sri Lankan Government, and promotes British interests in Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner, Dr Peter Hayes, arrived in Sri Lanka in March 2008. He is responsible to the British Government for all aspects of the relationship between our two countries. The High Commissioner is also accredited to the Maldives.

The Political and Development Section co-ordinates the UK’s contribution to conflict prevention in Sri Lanka. It is also responsible for political relations between the UK and Sri Lanka and providing support for development activity including post-tsunami reconstruction. Tom Owen-Edmunds is the head of section.

The Defence Section is responsible for the defence relationship between the UK and Sri Lanka. The head of the Defence Section, Lt. Col. Anton Gash, maintains close ties with the Sri Lankan armed forces.

Consular Section provides assistance for British citizens travelling or resident in Sri Lanka, the Vice Consul is Angie Wakefield.

Visa Section deals with over 30,000 visa applications a year.

Key responsibilities of the Commercial Section include promoting exports of British goods and services to Sri Lanka, helping companies which are planning to invest in Sri Lanka and assisting the considerable number of British-based companies that operate in Sri Lanka. Commercial Section is headed by Peter Milliman.

Management Section, headed by Alan Dillon, is responsible for all administrative and financial functions. It also looks after staff welfare and maintenance of the High Commission building and residences, and provides support to all other sections.

The Migration Section supports the UK Border Agency and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in managing migration for Britain. It is responsible for airline liaison and works closely with the Sri Lankan government on all issues surrounding migration. The section is headed by Lorna Crooks.

The High Commission also has a Security and Transport section headed by Graham Lindley.

There are currently 115 members of staff at the High Commission, about 90 are Sri Lankan nationals.

The High Commission will be closed on the following days in 2009:

Thursday 1 January: New Year's Day (UK Public Holiday)

Wednesday 14 January: Tamil Thai Pongal Day

Wednesday 4 February: National Day

Friday 10 April: Good Friday (UK Public Holiday)

Monday 13 April: Easter Monday (UK Public Holiday)

Tuesday 14 April: Sinhala and Tamil New Years Day

Friday 1 May: May Day/Workers Day

Friday 8 May: Wesak Full Moon Day

Monday 21 September: Id-ul-Fitr

Friday 25 December: Christmas Day (UK Public Holdiay)

Monday 28 December: Christmas Monday (UK Public Holiday)