The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka organized a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 09 February 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka, with the support of the Sri Lankan business community, Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLBCCI) and the Sri Lanka Association in Bangladesh (SLAB).
Advisor, Ministry of Shipping of Government of Bangladesh, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain graced the occasion attending as the chief guest. The event saw the participation of 300 guests including Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of Mission of regional and international organizations/ agencies, senior officials from various ministries and agencies of the Government of Bangladesh, investors and businessmen, professionals from diverse disciplines and academia, members of the media, think tanks, civil society organizations, community leaders, Sri Lankan expatriates, and other well-wishers.
The event commenced with the playing of the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh respectively.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody recalled the longstanding and friendly bilateral relations underpinned by high-level cooperation, shared cultural values, and strong people-to-people linkages that exist between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He further stated that at present, the two countries are keen to expand the bilateral relationship into a more dynamic political and business partnership.
Moreover, the High Commissioner outlined the current level of Sri Lanka’s economic growth and recovery and the renewed measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to prioritize business-friendly policies to increase business, trade, and investment in Sri Lanka. He pointed out that with the current economic progress, the government of Sri Lanka is now moving forward with a renewed vision to build a prosperous nation, and Sri Lanka is now fully open for businesses and foreign investments, and its economy remains resilient with high growth potential. Since Bangladesh is emerging as one of Sri Lanka’s important trading partners, the High Commissioner also emphasized that there is a high potential for deepening economic engagement, based on the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement and other important trade-related agreements to be signed by both countries possibly this year.
The High Commissioner further mentioned that Sri Lanka’s business interest in Bangladesh is also continuing to expand and Sri Lankan companies have invested significantly in the finance and banking, textiles and apparel, power generation, retail markets, and logistics sectors. He highly appreciated the continuous support extended by all officials of the Government of Bangladesh towards the Sri Lankan community, for their smooth business operations and employment in Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka is poised to become a leading maritime, logistics, and commercial hub in the Indian Ocean. The High Commissioner invited Bangladesh investments including public-private partnerships in promising investment opportunities that are emerging in the Colombo Port Development Project, Colombo Port City Project, and the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka. While highlighting that people-to-people contacts have greatly helped to build bridges of friendship, the High Commissioner mentioned that Sri Lanka wishes to welcome more Bangladeshi visitors to the country, enjoy its hospitality, and discover the rich natural and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain commended the significant strides that Sri Lanka has made in socio-economic fields over the recent years. He also expressed satisfaction over the high-profile visit exchanges that consolidated the strong partnership and the growing commercial ties as well as people-to-people linkages between the two countries. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to further deepening engagement with Sri Lanka in the trade, investment, agriculture, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and maritime connectivity. The Advisor also commended Sri Lanka’s resilience in overcoming economic challenges and stressed the significance of regional cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC in fostering a stronger South Asia.
The event concluded with a raffle draw offering two return air tickets from Dhaka to Colombo sponsored by SriLankan Airlines.
The event also featured vibrant performances by talented dancers from the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Bangladesh, offering a glimpse into the various dance forms of Sri Lanka while also highlighting Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity. Moreover, tourism promotion videos highlighting various aspects of Sri Lanka and popular tourist sites were screened while the guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
18 February 2025
