Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that as Sri Lanka advances towards sustainable growth, the country welcomes investors and tourists who help strengthen economic and cultural ties.
She made these remarks while addressing a special celebration and dinner reception organised by the Sri Lanka India Society to mark the 77th Republic Day of India and the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka. The event was held on February 26 at Taj Samudra in Colombo.
During the ceremony, the Society’s official magazine was launched, and the book Port of Call was presented to the Prime Minister and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amarasuriya noted that since its establishment in 1949, the Sri Lanka India Society has played a key role in strengthening relations between the two nations through cultural engagement, dialogue, and sustained interaction between their peoples.
She expressed appreciation for India’s support in facilitating the exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka and thanked India for its swift assistance during Cyclone Dithva through “Operation Sagar Bandhu.” She also welcomed India’s long-term relief package of USD 454 million to support Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the Sri Lanka–India partnership spans economic development, energy, connectivity, trade and investment, digital transformation, health, education, maritime security, and people-to-people ties. She reaffirmed that India remains Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and a vital partner in its path toward sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Santosh Jha said the relationship between the two countries goes beyond formal diplomacy and represents a strong and special partnership. He noted that the introduction of the first international degree offered outside India in Sri Lanka marked a new chapter in educational cooperation and added that bilateral ties are currently experiencing significant growth.
The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, Indian High Commission officials, and government representatives.
