The world is facing the challenges of “maintaining peace, prosperity and democracy”, the King has said, in a letter delivered to Sri Lanka’s president by the Princess Royal.

Charles also said the UK was committed to “building an ever stronger, modern partnership with Sri Lanka” in the letter to Ranil Wickremesing, delivered by Anne at the end of the first day of her tour of the country.

The princess’ three-day visit to Sri Lanka is the royal family’s first overseas tour of 2024, and marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Commonwealth country, which gained independence from Britain in 1948.

The letter was presented by Anne at Mr Wickremesinghe’s official residence in the capital Colombo, ahead of a private dinner, and came after the princess, who was joined by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, received a colourful cultural welcome after her jet touched down.

Charles wrote: “The United Kingdom and Sri Lanka are bound by a deep, shared history. Her late Majesty the Queen, as head of state from 1952 to 1972, played a major role in Sri Lanka’s formative years.

“Her visit to the country, just five months after her coronation, highlighted the closeness and strength of those bilateral bonds. In the intervening years, we have maintained that enduring connection between our peoples.

“In the years ahead, the United Kingdom is committed to building an ever stronger, modern partnership with Sri Lanka.

“We and the world are faced with considerable challenges, not least of all maintaining peace, prosperity and democracy, and tackling climate change and environmental degradation.

“It is all the more important for our countries to work together, and I look forward to the continuing, warm friendship between our nations, including as members of the Commonwealth.

“My wife and I extend our heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate this historic anniversary.”