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High Commissioner of India, H.E. Gopal Baglay's Address on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day of India - Broadcast

 

High Commissioner’s Address on 73rd Republic Day of India

 

My dear brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka,

Namaskar, Ayubowan, Vanakkam!

I convey my warm greetings to you all on the 73rd Republic Day of India.


Indians, their friends and well-wishers all over the worldcelebrate 26 January to mark the coming into force of India’s Constitution in 1950. 

The world’s largest written Constitution made the newly independent India a Republic, and gave the country the blueprint to secure to all its citizens social, economic and political justice; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and fraternity among them all. 

Since then, India has marched on the path of progress. She has preserved her ancient heritage, and carved out a prominent place for herself in the modern world. What is even more, India has ensured that her benefits are shared with her friends, such as Sri Lanka.


Friends,

Sri Lanka has a very special place in the heart of every Indian.

Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbor and friend and has a central place in our Neighbourhood First policy.

The strength of this relationship lies in the close spiritual and cultural ties that bind the people of the two countries together for thousands of years.

This year, we celebrated the close bond of Buddhism between the two countries, when Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi welcomed the inaugural international flight to Kushinagar from Sri Lanka.

Our shared values of democracy, and belief in the diversity as source of strength provide a solid foundation for our bilateral engagement along Mitratva Magga or the Path of Friendship.

The guidance of our leaders has given us the strength to face and overcome together many challenges, such as those from COVID 19 pandemic. Whether it is supply of vaccines or oxygen, or fighting fire on ships, India has been the first responder for Sri Lanka.In India, Sri Lanka has a dependable friend. Following the successful visit of Hon’ble Finance Minister His Excellency Basil Rajapaksa to India last month, a number of measures to support Sri Lanka are being put in place.

We are also happy that significant Indian investment in key sectors in Sri Lanka has added strength to the Sri Lankan economy and created jobs for thousands of Sri Lankans.  We will work to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment in a way that India’s economic growth supports Sri Lanka as well.

 

Friends,

People-centric development cooperation has been a main pillar of India-Sri Lanka relationship. Most recently, Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla inaugurated four grant assistance projects in education and housing during his visit to Sri Lanka in October 2021. I was privileged to hand over 1000 houses built with India’s assistance in Kotagala around ten days ago.

 

Friends,

In a happy coincidence, India is celebrating this year 75 years since her Independence.  The 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence will also follow soon.  Both friendly countries are working to commemorate together these significant milestones. 

I take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Happy Independence Day of Sri Lanka in advance! 

I am confident that the strong friendship between the two countries will continue to drive our close cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity.

   Bahomastuti.  Nandri. Dhanyawaad. 

 


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