Sri Lanka celebrates its 76th Independence Day anniversary |17 February 2024
Minister Fonseka and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Wickremasinghe toasting to the good health of leaders of the two countries and their people (Photo: Patrick Joubert)
To mark the 76th Independence Day anniversary of Sri Lanka on February 4, 2024, the country’s High Commissioner to Seychelles, Srimal Wickremasinghe hosted a reception last night at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Beau Vallon.
In attendance were the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Roger Mancienne, president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and other guests. The theme for the celebration was ‘Hadamu Aluth Ratak’ which translates to ‘Let us build a new country’.
In his opening remarks, High Commissioner Wickremasinghe said since gaining independence from the British in 1948, Sri Lanka has displayed its principle of friendship towards all in its diplomacy.
He added that since the 1950s, his country has followed a neutral or non-aligned foreign policy. The high commissioner noted that Sri Lanka laid the foundation for the non-aligned movement and took part actively in the movement including in other international organisations such as the United Nations for the benefit of mankind.
High Commissioner Wickremasinghe stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations with Seychelles in 1988, the relations between both countries have progressed impressively with both nations continuing to ease mutual assistance across areas of interest.
Both nations now share resources, expertise, and assistance for developing sectors that need further cooperation. “Leaders of both counties have maintained dialogue and positive relations across the years, with great respect for each other nation’s capabilities, natural resources and human expertise,” said High Commissioner Wickremasinghe.
He highlighted the various achievements gained from the strengthening of bilateral relations which saw the entry of many Sri Lankan entities such as Sanken Construction and the Bank of Ceylon being established here. The latter has enabled a range of financial services to be offered that have been beneficial to both small and medium-scale businesses.
“Presently there are Sri Lankan workers employed in various sectors contributing to Seychelles’ economy and I am confident it will continue to grow,” said the high commissioner.
He commended the good cooperation in the various fields such as trade and investment, air links, fisheries, health tourism, education, maritime security, defence including in legal affairs which he stated “will be consolidated further in the years to come.”
“I also plan to focus more on infrastructure development and value-added services that will be mutually beneficial, especially in the sectors of maritime, agriculture, security, energy and sports, and assisting with expertise that targets specific industries,” he added.
High Commissioner Wickremasinghe took the opportunity to convey his utmost gratitude and sincere appreciation for the recent successful rescue of Sri Lankan crew members whose vessel was hijacked by Somali pirates. He added that the prompt and efficient response to this tragic event is a testament to the close cooperation between Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
“I am confident that this experience will further strengthen the good relationship between our nations while leading towards greater collaboration in future endeavours,” said High Commissioner Wickremasinghe who raised a toast to the good health and well-being of President Wavel Ramkalawan and for the people of Seychelles.
For his part, the Minister for Internal Affairs Roy Fonseka said the enduring historical connections and shared principles between the two countries form the bedrock of a friendship, which continues to deepen.
He added that bilateral ties are reinforced by both countries’ mutual experiences, shared as island nations, confronting similar challenges and pursuing common goals. The minister noted that Seychelles’ intervention to rescue the Sri Lankan vessel and its crew exemplifies the necessity for strengthened partnerships to ensure regional stability and security.
Minister Fonseka also took the opportunity to highlight the various collaboration and mutual understandings in the field of maritime, education, health and judiciary, among others.
“These examples represent just a fraction of our bilateral achievements, with countless opportunities available for further enhancing our collaboration. We extend our best wishes for Sri Lanka’s ongoing success in its journey towards development and economic prosperity,” said Minister Fonseka.
To end, Minister Fonseka presented a toast to the good health and well-being of Ranil Wickremasinghe, President of Sri Lanka and to Prime Minster Dinesh Gunawardena, and to the prosperity and well-being of the friendly people of Sri Lanka.
On February 4, the Sri Lankan community in the country and friends gathered at the Anse Etoile community centre for an official flag-raising ceremony to mark the occasion.
Seychelles and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1988 on February 4, 1948. Sri Lanka, formally named as Ceylon, was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon.
Dominion status within the British Commonwealth was retained for the next 24 years until May 22, 1972 when it became a republic and was renamed the Republic of Sri Lanka.
Patrick Joubert
