Dear Sri Lankan Friends.
As you all know, world is slowly returning to normalcy from the clutches of Corona Pandemic. Engagements at political and diplomatic level helped India and Sri Lanka together to overcome this difficult situation .I use this opportunity to thank all the Sri Lankans for the special prayers and ceremonies held in May for the well-being of people of India in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
I am also happy that two eminent personalities from Sri Lanka, Dr. Vajira Chitrasena and Late Prof. Indra Dassanayake were conferred with the ‘Padma Shri’ award this year by GoI for their contributions in the field of dance, and literature and Education.
As a part of India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Government of India has continued to support Sri Lanka during critical times. During the fourth wave of Covid pandemic India provided 100 T Liquid Medical Oxygen to Sri Lanka and in November, India supplied Nano Nitrogen Fertiliser to support the Government of Sri Lanka's initiative towards Organic farming. Earlier Indian Naval ships carried out extensive relief operations when ship MV Xpress Pearl caught fire in Sri Lankans waters. Thus India has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity and role as the 'First Responder' in the region.
Thank You.
Sinhala Translation
