(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said India, while advancing as an economic power, is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world. Speaking at the 77th Independence Anniversary celebrations organized by the India Sri Lanka Society in Colombo on Saturday (September 23), he said that in this Century of Asia, in the councils of the world, India is synonymous with economic development.
He recalled that Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said on the 15th of August this year, that Independence Day is an occasion to reconnect with history and said it is also an occasion to assess our present and reflect about our way forward. Looking at the present, we see that India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage, but it has also enhanced its standing in the international order. India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world, he said.
“We in Sri Lanka see that India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage, but it has also enhanced its standing in the international order. India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world,” Prime Minister Gunawardena said.
Guest of Honour His Gopal Baglay, Indian High Commissioner highlighted diverse elements of deep-rooted, centuries-old ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka in his remarks. He was also appreciative about the initiatives undertaken by organisations like the Sri Lanka India Society in strengthening the people to people bonds. Sri Lanka and India are children of the same ancient culture and both countries have common cultural relationship and India will always be of assistance whenever Sri Lanka needs India’s help, he said.
President of SLIS, Kishore Reddy stressed that people-to-people relations and cultural links constitute one of the cardinal pillars of the relationship between India and Sri Lanka. This way forward will lead to the cross-pollination of thoughts and ideas, and the sharing of knowledge will nurture diversity and common prosperity, he said.
Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Minister Manusha Nanayakkara , MP Yadamini Gunawardena , Governor of Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman , diplomats and officials attended the function of which keynote address was made by Director of SAARC Cultural Center Renuka Ekanayake.
