Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and the Countess of Wessex were extended a warm welcome on arrival in Sri Lanka on January 31. They were received by the State Minister Wasantha Senanayake. They are here on a five day visit.

Referring to their visit, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris said: "We are delighted to have The Earl and Countess of Wessex in Sri Lanka to celebrate the strong links between our two countries, young people and the Commonwealth.

Their visit comes just two months before we host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London and allows us to celebrate our Commonwealth links and the important role young people will play in developing its potential.

His Royal Highness The Prince Edward is the youngest child of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

Their Royal Highnesses will represent Her Majesty The Queen at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sri Lanka's independence on Sunday.

The Earl and Countess will also travel to Kandy where they will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens.''