Matthew was delighted to attend the prestigious Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations at the Harrow Leisure Centre. Accompanied by the President of the Sri Lanka Educational, Cultural and Welfare Association (SLECWF) at the Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre, Matthew performed the ceremony of the lighting of a traditional oil lamp at the Soorya Mangalya - festival of the Sun.

The festival is one of the most significant events in Sri Lanka's cultural calendar and brings together everyone whose family is of Sri Lankan heritage. The festival is celebrated by both Sinhala and Tamil communities and gives a message of peace and unity.

During his time in Parliament, Matthew took an active interest in Sri Lanka and the UK Government's involvement in the post conflict reconciliation. After visiting Sri Lanka in 2012, Matthew was instrumental in ensuring that the Prime Minister attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November 2013.