Instead of boarding a special flight, the President had boarded the Emirates passenger flight E.K. 651 bound to London via Dubai. It is also singular that he had arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport one hour prior to the flight.

President Sirisena, as the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, will attend the Commonwealth Day Observances on 9th March.Young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations on the second Monday inMarch every year celebrate Commonwealth Day across the Commonwealth. It provides an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations.
The theme for 2015 is 'A Young Commonwealth'. The day is marked by a range of activities, including a multi-faith Observance at Westminster Abbey in London, UK, followed by a reception hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma.

Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the event.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting will also take place on the 12th.

In his three-day official visit to UK, President Sirisena is expected to hold talks with the British Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron.

Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, Deputy Minister Mr. Ajith P. Perera, former High commissioner in UK - Dr. Chris Nonis and other senior government officials had accompanied the President.