• Says India will continue to support people of Sri Lanka as per requirements

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay said that Sri Lanka occupied a central place in India’s foreign policy and emphasised that millennia-old ties across language, culture, history etc. were the mainstay of the bilateral relationship.  The envoy made this comment during a reception at India House to mark India’s 73rd Republic Day.  

Finance Minister, Basil Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest and Foreign Minister, Prof. G.L. Peiris graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Special guests included former President Maithripala Sirisena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.   
The High Commissioner reiterated that India will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka as per their requirements. He further mentioned about the plans to mark the milestone of 75 years of Independence of both countries through joint events.  
A special video message by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar was also played at the event. He stressed that India and Sri Lanka share a special relationship and alluded to the close economic cooperation between the two countries in the recent past. He expressed confidence that the understanding between the leadership which is complemented by the deep people to people ties will impart further momentum to the bilateral relationship.  
Commemoration of the 73rd Republic Day of India forms a part of celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence-Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), across the globe. High Commission is commencing a series of special events dedicated to AKAM from 26 January 2022 – 4 February 2022. The events will include a mega cultural event, unveiling the bust of Rabindranath Tagore at Sri Palee Campus of University of Colombo, felicitation of winners of the International Quiz on Buddhism, trade promotion event etc. 

BLURB
Commemoration of the 73rd Republic Day of India forms a part of  celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence-Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav  (AKAM), across the globe