On the happy occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, it is a great honour for me to share with you the joy of the Iranian people on this momentous occasion.

The 11th of February is a special day for all the Iranian people around the world, to celebrate with joyful spirit the 39th anniversary of the triumph of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

It is noteworthy that this important event closely coincides with the National Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

First, let me begin by sharing with you a little of the glorious history of my country that spawned a rich and vibrant culture, the progress we have made in various fields, not forgetting the challenges Iran had to face in the past, and how we triumphantly faced them.

There is a saying that: “A people without the knowledge of their history, origin and culture, is like a tree without roots”. The reason for me to dwell briefly on the history of Iran is due to the reason, what we are today is, what we had been in the past. Iran’s history goes back to 7500 years. Most Sri Lankans are aware of the movement of a group of people, called Arians. One branch, later known as Indo-Arians, headed southeast into northwestern India and later to the island of Sri Lanka and the other moved in parts of Persian today Iran, and the area of East Caspian.  
There is no doubt that Iranians, whose history of civilizations and nation-state goes back to 4000 years, would also be heirs to be a rich and vibrant culture. Despite conflicts and competitions, the pre-Islamic culture was further enriched with the advent of Islam. The uniqueness of Iran is that, today the Persian culture thrives side by side with the Islamic culture, one enriching the other. 

Since the launching of the Islamic Revolution by the late Imam Khomeini, which gave the people of Iran a new sense of self-confidence and a new direction.The Islamic Republic of Iran, which steeped in a rich heritage of history, culture and civilization, has emerged today a much stronger and more cohesive country enriching its cultural, political, economic and social foundations. 

Domestically Iran has advocated reform policies and we pursue our goal of developing Iran as a mighty regional country (actor), dedicated to social reform and economic development.

Iran has concentrated on reviving on the developing economy and started a scientific movement in the field of IT, pharmaceutical, new and Nano technology, stem cells, engineering and peaceful nuclear technology. 

To get about nuclear issue, it is necessary to know that the nuclear programme of Iran was initiated in 1974 by USA for a US-made research reactor. 5 years before revolution, Iran set a goal of producing 23000 megawatts of electrical power from several nuclear power stations. For which agreements were signed with the western Germany, France and USA. Despite these early plan and investment for using nuclear power for peaceful purpose, Iran’s nuclear programme fizzled out following the Islamic Revolution, while Iran is a part to the treaty on the NPT of 1978, which permitted development of peaceful nuclear power. Anyhow due to some misunderstanding, we had a period of 12 years’ negotiations with 5+1 countries that led to the nuclear agreement which is known as JCPOA and adapted by the resolution 2231 in UN Security Council (UNSC).
Fortunately, the nuclear agreement has maintained broad international support and Iran has fully implemented all its commitments. It has created a favourable condition in the international arena. 

The 11th of February is a special day for all the Iranian people around the world, to celebrate with joyful spirit the 39th anniversary of the triumph of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

Well: Let me getting back to my story about bilateral relation. I am very happy to say that our relations with Sri Lanka have always been cordial and productive. I feel the time is now opportune to turn our attention towards the more positive trends that have marked the bilateral ties between the two countries in recent times. Today the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Iran have become diversified and we are working closely together to explore new opportunities. There are many opportunities, particularly in the field of pharmaceutical, agriculture, science and technology, fisheries, oil and gas and also tourism. Tourism is in the spotlight and it is expanding rapidly. Such people to people relation and contact would help not only the economies of our two countries, but also would help better understanding between the two nations. I urge Sri Lankan tour operators to arrange tours to facilitate Sri Lankan and tie up with Iranian tour operators to bring Iranians to Sri Lanka. I am confident that the bilateral ties between the two countries would get strengthen and solidified more and more in the years to come.

I take pleasure in extending my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the anniversary of the national day of Iran to the government and the friendly people of Sri Lanka. It will be my endeavour during my tenure of office here to help develop further and consolidate the existing friendly ties between our two countries in all aspects.

In conclusion, I wish the friendly people of Sri Lanka an era of peace, progress and prosperity. 

Supplement Coordinated by: 
R.S. Wilfred Cooray & 
Sunanda Karunaratna