The High Commission of India held a reception (March 30, 2011) at Hotel Taj Samudra to celebrate the International Students’ Day commemorating the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India. Sri Lankan Alumni of Indian educational institutions attended the reception in large numbers. Minister of Higher Education, Hon’ble S.B. Dissanayake graced the occasion as the chief guest.

In his remarks Hon. Minister S.B. Dissanayake lauded the many achievements of Maulana Azad highlighting his critical role in settling up of the famed Indian Institute of Technology which has made it possible for India to become one of the leading hubs of technology in the world. The Minister also made a special mention of the close civilizational and educational linkages between Sri Lanka and India since many centuries.

The High Commissioner of India Mr.Ashok K. Kantha said that the two countries are not just friends but relatives and underscored that India has always believed in sharing her achievements with neighboring countries specially Sri Lanka. This belief forms the core of India’s assistance and scholarship for the students of Sri Lanka. On the occasion, Mr. Kantha also announced that India is in the process of more than doubling the available number of scholarships as well as adding new scholarships for the students of Sri Lanka. He said that the Alumni were a source of pride to India and an invaluable asset in promoting the bilateral relations and added that they are virtual ambassadors of India in Sri Lanka.

A short cultural programme was also presented by the Indian Cultural Centre on this occasion.