Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in India, Priyanga Wickramasinghe hosted a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 20 February 2025 at the High Commission premises in New Delhi. Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles of the Government of India, Pabitra Margherita graced the occasion attending as the chief guest.
In her address, the Acting High Commissioner observed “This year’s anniversary is particularly important against the backdrop of having in place a new government in Sri Lanka with a very high national mandate”. She further noted that the Sri Lankan people across ethnic, cultural, class, gender, and language divides have voted in unison towards reinventing the country.
Acting High Commissioner Wickramasinghe underscored that relations between Sri Lanka and India are deep-rooted and bound by a common heritage. She recalled that during President Anura Kumara Disanayaka’s state visit to India in December 2024 the leaders of both countries unequivocally recognized the vast potential of the relationship, and affirmed their commitment to this mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership.
The Acting High Commissioner also quoted an observation made by President Disanayaka in his address at the Independence Day celebrations in Sri Lanka: “As human beings, our inalienable duty, by virtue of our existence on this earth, is to render this world a haven of elevated humanity, and to ensure that all individuals have equitable opportunities to partake in and embody that higher humanity. Our struggle for freedom is intrinsically intertwined with this noble aspiration”. She noted that the President’s reflections acknowledged the country’s collective responsibility and vision as global citizens and its commitment to humanity.
In his remarks, State Minister Margherita highlighted the importance of further deepening bilateral ties to ensure the realization of a joint vision for fostering partnerships for the future. Noting that India has been a long-standing and dependable partner of Sri Lanka committed to the growth and prosperity of the country and its people, he reiterated that India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and “SAGAR” vision have continued to guide in further deepening the special partnership and reorienting it to cater to emerging developmental needs.
The Independence Day celebrations were elevated by a number of cultural performances by the Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation, and the guests were treated to an array of Sri Lankan cuisine especially prepared by chefs from the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. An annual highlight, the event was well attended by representatives of the Government of India, the Delhi-based diplomatic corps, the business community, travel industry, Sri Lankans living in India and other well-wishers.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi
24 February 2025
