One of Vernon's last public engagements in  April 2002 was a visit to the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster to meet the Sri Lankan cricket team led by Captain Sanath Jayasuriya.

The reception was organised by the UK Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. Also present at this function were the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom John Major (a cricket fanatic), Lord Naseby and other members of parliament. Vernon was keen to meet the Sri Lankan cricket team - like the millions in Sri Lanka he loved cricket. He has attended many a cricket test in the UK. Vernon has also interviewed countless Sri Lankan cricketers and introduced cricket matches in Colombo over the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation long before Sri Lanka gained Test status. Despite his frailty he was determined to make the journey to the House of Commons.

This particular visit was made possible by two ex-Royalists, Dr.Daya Panditha-Gunewardena(Chairman of the BCCSL UK) and former Royal Captain Asitha Jayaweera (Vernon interviewed him back in the days of Radio Ceylon) .

Vernon was touched by the courtesy extended to him by Sri Lankan cricketers like Mahela Jayewardene who came up and spoke to him. There he was on the terrace facing the Thames, recalling the old stories and stating' 'I knew your family,' to Sri Lanka Manager Dav Whatmore - he was in his element.