Dr. Chris Nonis assumed office as High Commissioner for Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom yesterday at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. Dr. Nonis will also be concurrently accredited to Ireland. He succeeds Justice Nihal Jayasinghe.

Upon assumption of duties, High Commissioner Dr. Nonis said he would be committed to further enhance and strengthen the bonds between the two countries, building on their shared commonality of values. He commented that his diverse background developed in him an understanding and respect for the dignity and diversity of people irrespective of their background, and that it has also taught him a degree of empathy and sensitivity and a broader perspective of life.

Welcoming the new High Commissioner, Mr. P.M. Amza, the Acting High Commissioner said that Dr. Nonis would bring in a wealth of experience, gathered over the years working in different areas ranging from international business to international affairs. He recalled Dr. Nonis’ long- term association with the Royal Commonwealth Society, and expressed confidence that his broad experience in multiple sectors in both countries will be of immense help in furthering Sri Lanka – UK bilateral relations at this important juncture.

Dr. Nonis studied medicine at the Royal Free Hospital Medical School , University of London and also obtained a First Class Honours Degree from Imperial College , London. He spent his electives at Harvard Medical School Boston, USA and completed his postgraduate studies at Addenbrooke’s Cambridge, Brompton and Hammersmith, and obtained his M.R.C.P. (UK).

He was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) in 2008, and is the first Sri Lankan to hold this office in the RCS’ 140-year old history.