Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable growth and extended a warm welcome to investors and tourists who can bolster the country’s economic and cultural connections. Her remarks were delivered during a special celebration and dinner hosted by the Sri Lanka India Society, marking India’s 77th Republic Day and Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day. The event took place on February 26 at the Taj Samudra in Colombo.
During the occasion, the official magazine of the Sri Lanka India Society was unveiled, and the book “Port of Call” was presented to both the Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner.
In her address, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the longstanding contributions of the Sri Lanka India Society, established in 1949, in strengthening the relationship between the two nations. The Society has played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchanges, dialogue, and ongoing interactions, thereby enhancing ties not just between the governments but also between the people of both countries.
She further stated, “Over the past year, the strength of India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations has once again been evident. I express gratitude for the support extended by the Indian government in facilitating the exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka. When Cyclone Dithva affected Sri Lanka, India responded promptly as the first responder through ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu,’ providing exceptional assistance in rescue and relief efforts.”
Dr. Amarasuriya also expressed appreciation for India’s announcement of a long-term relief package amounting to USD 454 million to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts, and highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in the journey towards sustainable development.
The partnership between Sri Lanka and India encompasses a wide range of sectors, including economic development, energy, connectivity, trade and investment, digital transformation, health, education, maritime security, and people-to-people ties. As Sri Lanka advances toward sustainable growth, the Prime Minister welcomed increased investments from Indian businesses and greater tourist arrivals, with the aim of further strengthening economic and cultural ties.
She reaffirmed that India remains Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor and an important partner, and that Sri Lanka is committed to advancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries and the wider region.
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, also speaking at the event, described the relationship between the two countries as a robust and special partnership that extends beyond formal diplomacy. He mentioned that the introduction of the first international degree offered outside India in Sri Lanka marked a new chapter in educational cooperation and highlighted the growth in connectivity and people-to-people relations, noting that India–Sri Lanka relations are experiencing significant growth.
The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, officials of the Indian High Commission, and government representatives.
