“India has always stood with Sri Lanka and is committed to assist in all possible ways for overcoming economic and other challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said in a message at the ceremony organised to mark the 73rd Republic Day, at India House, Colombo last week.
He said, ‘India and Sri Lanka have a special relationship with thousands of years of historical, cultural, religious, linguistic and geographical closeness and have contributed to strong bonds of friendship and maritime partnership.’
Dr. Jayashankar said the events organised in Sri Lanka will not only commemorate India’s independence but will be a tribute to strong bilateral relations between both countries.
Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest at the main event at India House on Wednesday evening, while Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris was invited as the Guest of Honor.
A flag hoisting function was organised at India House Kumaratunga Munidasa Mw, Colombo 3 on January 26 morning. Due to Covid-19 protocols, the HC had a live streaming of the program.
Ministers, MPs, senior officials of the Government of Sri Lanka, diplomats, industry and media leaders attended Wednesday’s reception hosted by the High Commissioner Shri Gopal Baglay, in keeping with Covid-19 protocols.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo, Assistant High Commission in Kandy, Consulates in Jaffna and Hambantota organised a series of events to mark the 73rd Republic Day and 75 years of India’s independence.
It was on January 26, 1950 that the world’s largest written constitution came into force. This momentous occasion was observed through a series of ceremonies and events organised by the High Commission.