Respected,

Governor of Southern Province His Excellency Willy Gamage,

Secretaries,

Other officials

and dear Friends,

Good evening to all of you.

India will be completing her 75 years of independence on 15^th August, 2022. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Government of India is celebrating ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, beginning 75 weeks prior to the 75th Independence Day of India. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had formally launched India@75 celebrations on 12^th March 2021 at Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat, 75 weeks prior to India’s 75^th Independence Day on 15^th August 2022 and will end on 15^th August 2023.

As a part of celebrating AKAM, Consulate General of India, Hambantota organized many events in Southern province and Monaragala District of Uva Province in 2021. This includes events like Cleanliness Drive at Weeravila, Inauguration of R.K. Narayan English Activity room in Madawelana Maha Vidyalaya, Inauguration of Practice Side Wicket at Debarawewa, AKAM Hambantota District Football Tournament, AKAM Indian Musical Evening and AKAM Premier League etc.

This year, CGI Hambantota has planned to celebrate a “Special AKAM Week” from 30th January – 10th February 2022 encompassing different events. Today we are formally beginning special AKAM week with “Divyanubuthi Odissi Dance Performance”.

Dear friends….

I warmly welcome each one of you to this wonderful evening and thank everyone for sparing their valuable time to attend this event. I also welcome our10 member troupe from India who will be performing today lead by veteran artist Ms. Momitha Gosh. Madam, I warmly welcome you and your troupe to this wonderful evening.

Thank you.