Hon.
Governor, His Excellency Willie Gamage and Madam, Hon. Members of Parliament,
Mayor of Galle, District Secretaries other Secretaries of Southern Province,
Defence officials, Vice Chancellor of University of Ruhuna ,Deans, my
colleagues and dear friends…
Good
evening everyone…
I use this
opportunity to warmly welcome you to this wonderful evening and convey my
greetings to all on the occasion of India’s 74th Republic Day. It was on 26th
January 1950 that the Indian Constitution which is the world’s largest written
Constitution came into effect.
Dear
friends,
Guided by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Neighbour Hood policy, India always keep the
people of Sri Lanka and their wellbeing close to our hearts. Last year India and her people rose to respond to various requirements of the
Sri Lankan people in a prompt manner through our multi-pronged assistance. Last
year alone, India rendered unprecedented financial assistance of around USD 4
billion for the people of Sri Lanka.
This year, India
became the first bilateral creditor of Sri Lanka to convey financing assurance
to International Monetary Fund and support restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debt .India
was Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner in 2022. Sri Lanka’s exports to
India have also grown. Use of Rupees for trade settlement is
further helping Sri Lanka’s economy. India continues to be the single
largest source of tourists for Sri Lanka and discussions are ongoing for
promoting religious tourism between the two countries.
As a reliable partner India will continue to invest in various sectors such as
ports, renewable energy, infrastructure etc. which will help in catalysing the
economic recovery of Sri Lanka. All this undermines that India continuous to be
a dependable, reliable and a trustworthy partner of Sri Lanka.
Friends,
Today on
the world stage, India holds a prominent position .Last year India became the
fifth largest economy and as you know India took over the presidency of G-20
from Indonesia on 2 December 2022.With our motto of universal brotherhood, we
stand for peace and prosperity for all. The G-20 Presidency is an opportunity
for India to promote democracy and multilateralism and the right forum for
shaping a better world and a better future. I am also happy that United Nation
accepted a India’s suggestion and declared 2023 as the International Year of
Millets. Millets are rich source of nutrition and require less water to Grow.
This will help us to conserve the ecology and also improve our health.
Dear
Friends,
On 4
February 2023 Sri Lanka will be completing 75 years of Independence. I use this
opportunity to wish our brethren’s in Sri Lanka a very happy 75th Independence
Day and reiterate that India will continue to stand with Sri Lanka.
Thank
You...
Jai Hind…
