Reception hosted to commemorate Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence anniversary |01 March 2023

Guests interacting

The high commission of Sri Lanka hosted a reception yesterday evening at the Savoy Resort & Spa, Beau Vallon to commemorate the 75th Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The reception was attended by the high commissioner of Sri Lanka to Seychelles, Srimal Wickremasinghe; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne; the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando; ministers; principal secretaries; members of the diplomatic corps; other high government officials and distinguished guests.

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, previously known as Ceylon, gained its independence from Britain on February 4, 1948 but constitutionally it remained part of the British Empire with the Queen as the Head of State until 1972.

Our country and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka have a long history of bilateral friendship since establishing diplomatic relations in 1988. The bilateral relations have resulted in numerous talks and co-operation in the fields of trade and investment, air links, health, education, tourism, health, energy, fisheries, defence and maritime security among others including of the opening of the Sri Lankan high commission in June 2014.

In his opening address, HC Wickremasinghe said that as an independent nation, his country has pursued good relations with all countries and major power blocs in the world.

He added that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relation between both countries has progress impressively with both countries continuing to facilitate mutual assistance across areas of interest in terms of shared resources, expertise, and assistance for developing sectors that need further cooperation.

He added that in this respect, leaders of both countries have maintained dialogue and positive relations across the years, with great respect for each nation’s capabilities, natural resources, and human expertise.

HC Wickremasinghe said that apart from state visits of head of states from both countries, the strengthening of bilateral relations also saw the entry of many Sri Lankan entities such as the Sankan Construction and the Bank of Ceylon to respectively help in the development of infrastructure and financial services that has been beneficial to both small and medium-scale businesses.

“The two governments have always expressed the desire to continue to work closely. The two island states share an expression of people-to-people relationship based on shared cultural, diplomatic, and commercial aspirations which are beyond politics,” said HC Wickremasinghe, who noted that the bilateral cooperation will continue to be consolidated in the years to come.

For his part, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, who conveyed a warm message of felicitation from President Wavel Ramkalawan, thanked the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka through HC Wickremasinghe for the assistance given to our country through the many fields of cooperation such as in health, education and the judiciary among others.

“We need to continue to work together to enhance our cooperation in the blue economy sector, the management of our resources and the apprehension of security risks in our region.”  

He stated while both countries shared a natural affinity and the strong historical bond that have made for a solid partnership, which continues to evolve, “our cordial relations is underpinned by our commonalities. As island states we share the same ocean, the same challenge, the same threats and similar aspirations. Regardless of the size, we believe in and stand by their principles and values”.

“We need to continue to work together to enhance our cooperation in the blue economy sector, the management of our resources and the apprehension of security risks in our region,” the minister said.  

Minister Radegonde who congratulated the sister island on its endeavour to surmount the unprecedented political and economic crisis of last year said, “We wish Sri Lanka peace, prosperity and success in its march towards further progress”.

The celebration carried on with a cultural performance by local artists Sandra, Telsy and Jahkim and a surprised sega dance performance of the song ‘Lewa sega’ of Patrick Victor by HC Wickremasinghe accompanied by a staff from the Foreign Affairs.

The anniversary celebration ended with a cocktail reception.

The President of Sri Lanka is Ranil Wickremesinghe and he was sworn in as the President on July 21, 2022.

Text & photos by Patrick Joubert