The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Iran commemorated the 76th Anniversary of Independence at the chancery premises on 04 February 2024 with the participation of high-level representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran, diplomatic corps, members of the business community, professionals from various disciplines, academia, media personnel and the Sri Lanka expatriate community in Iran.
The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Iran G.M.V. Wishwanath Aponsu followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A two-minute silence was observed in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. The Independence Day messages of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry were read in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Addressing at the occasion, Ambassador Aponsu underlined that the multi-faceted Iran-Sri Lanka relationship is underpinned by high-level visits and strong people-to-people ties which have existed even prior to formal establishment of diplomatic relations six decades ago. He expressed hope that bilateral ties specially in economic, educational, technology and tourism spheres would be further expanded with high-level dialogues and the strong linkages of private sector of both countries.
Briefing the progress and current development in Sri Lanka, the Ambassador also took the opportunity to express appreciation for invaluable assistance extended by the Islamic Republic of Iran specially during the crucial period of Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis of Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador added that the year 2024 will be a progressive year for Sri Lanka in achieving economic stabilization in the country and stressed the need for everyone’s support for the efforts taken by the government to overcome the economic and related challenges ahead. He appreciated the contribution of the Sri Lankan community in abroad towards the economic recovery and development of the country, and made an open request for them to unite for the betterment of the nation.
While congratulating for the 76th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran and Director General of South Asia Dr. Seyed Rasoul Mousavi expressed Iran’s continuous support for the benefit of the people of Sri Lanka. With a view to expanding the existing relations between the two countries, he conveyed that Iran is ready to enhance the cooperation in the fields of technology, industries, agriculture, higher education and tourism with Sri Lanka.
In parallel to the 76th Anniversary of Independence, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the concerned Iran authorities conducted several events in Tehran from 04-06 February 2024 with a view to promoting Sri Lanka as a finest tourist destination and as a trade, investment and maritime hub.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Tehran
09 February 2024
