On the occasion of the 61st Republic Day of India, I extend my greetings and best wishes to my fellow citizens of India and to the people and the government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The last year has been an eventful one for India. The elections to the 15th Lok Sabha, which were held in April-May 2009, constituted the world’s largest democratic exercise and reinforced the values of pluralism, tolerance and secularism that have become the bedrock of Indian democracy. As with many other countries, our economy too was faced with an unprecedented financial and economic crisis. Nevertheless, prudent economic management and timely stimulus measures ensured that we were able to weather the storm quite well. We have now turned the corner and economic indicators are looking up again. Gross domestic product grew 7.9 percent in the third quarter of 2009 and it is expected that the economy will grow at well over 7% during the coming year. In a couple of years, we should be able to return to and sustain an annual growth rate of 9-10%, thanks to the inherent political and economic resilience of our system that gives our country and its institutions great strength and buoyancy.

India and Sri Lanka share a dynamic and multifaceted relationship that has stood the test of time. It is rooted in close social, economic, cultural, educational and religious ties and people-to-people interaction. This is an unparalleled engagement that transcends recorded history. The shared heritage of Buddhism has nurtured our relations for over two and a half millennia. On this foundation, we have built the edifice of a modern and vibrant partnership that has matured and diversified with the passage of time. It now encompasses all areas of contemporary relevance, including trade and investment, development cooperation, science and technology and education, without sacrificing the traditional aspect based on religion, art and culture. The scope for a mutually beneficial partnership between us is truly limitless and there is so much more we can do.

The end of armed conflict in Sri Lanka last May presents the people of this beautiful land a unique and historic opportunity to find a solution to the ethnic issue through a negotiated political settlement acceptable to all communities within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, consistent with democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights. This would allow Sri Lanka to channel its energies to emerge as an economic powerhouse. I strongly feel that India and Sri Lanka should also make full use of this opportunity to build on the strong edifice of bilateral relationship and develop a comprehensive partnership, including in the economic arena.

In the immediate context, of course, Sri Lanka faces the formidable challenges of relief and rehabilitation activities directed at the large number of people who were caught up in the final stages of the armed conflict. India has stood together with Sri Lanka in addressing these challenges. We announced an aid package of US $105 million immediately after the cessation of conflict to assist reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in northern Sri Lanka. As part of this effort, India has supplied nearly a quarter million family packs of essential food and non-food items, medicines, as also shelter material and agricultural implements for resuming cultivation. Seven Indian de-mining teams are deployed in Sri Lanka to help clear residential and agricultural areas so that the IDPs can return to lives of normalcy. An Indian emergency hospital functioned at Pulmoddai and Menik Farm for six months in 2009, treating over 50,000 patients. In infrastructure development, too, India has contributed actively through the provision of nearly US $700 million in lines of credit for the acquisition of machinery and the rehabilitation of various railway lines in the south as also in the Northern Province.

India is also working to promote cultural ties and people to people contacts through various initiatives. The Indian Cultural Centre is active and runs a very popular series of classes and programmes. We are also committed to the rejuvenation of the cultural and social life of the Northern and Eastern Provinces. A number of Sri Lankan artistes have visited India in the past year and this year we look forward to welcoming the Sri Lankan contingent at the next Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. The educational sector continues to be an extremely important one in our relationship and I am committed to making it a core area of our cooperation.

I would like conclude on a personal note. Since taking up my assignment in Colombo last November, my wife and I have been received with open arms by all those we have met. We have personally experienced the hospitality that Sri Lanka and its people are famous for and have been made to feel very much at home. Both of us are also greatly touched by the warmth and friendship extended to us. I look forward to my stay in Colombo and to working towards taking India-Sri Lanka ties to a new high.