High Commissioner of India, H.E. Gopal Baglay's Message on the occasion of 77th Independence Day of India 

High Commissioner’s Message

Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Namaskar!

         Warm greetings to all Indians in Sri Lanka and to my Sri Lankan brothers and sisters on the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day.

As Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav culminates this year, India stands poised to bring in the Amrit Kaal - the next 25 years of a transformative growth story with a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy that will deliver prosperity for all. 

Our policies of Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) reflect India’s commitment to prosperity for all - as we continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka through their hour of need. 

Now as Sri Lanka is poised to turn the corner, India-Sri Lanka friendship also heads towards new milestones. We complete 75 years of diplomatic relations this year, and are planning ahead for the next 25 years for forging a closer economic partnership. 

Vision Statement ‘Promoting Connectivity, Catalysing Prosperity’ of our leaders is a long-term roadmap centred on enhancing connectivity in all its dimensions.

Various announcements and outcomes during the visit of President H.E Ranil Wickremesinghe to India in July 2023  - related to energy, dairying, increased air and maritime connectivity, UPI linkage, and several others which bring the people of the two countries closer have lent significant momentum to this vision. 

Friends, the future will be technology-centric. As Sri Lanka embarks on its journey of DigiEcon 2030, we are working closely to share India’s experiences of inclusive growth steered by our Digital Public Infrastructure. 

This year is also special as it marks 200 years of the arrival of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka. Government of India has announced a SLR 3 billion comprehensive grant package for overall welfare of the community. A similar package has been extended to the people of Eastern Province as well. 

Building further on the foundations of civilisational connect, shared heritage and abiding bonds between our peoples, we enter the next phase of India-Sri Lanka ties with a joint vision for prosperity and progress of the people. I am confident that in the coming Amrit Kaal, India-Sri Lanka partnership is all set to grow in depth and breadth in equal measure! 

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Tamil - ID 2023 HC message

Sinhala - ID 2023 HC message