INDIA, SL MUST EXPLORE EXPANDING COOPERATION IN AREAS OF MUTUAL BENEFIT: INDIAN MINISTER

Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu said Sri Lanka and India and Sri Lanka must explore expanding cooperation in potential areas for mutual benefit. According to a statement issued by the Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Indian Minister had made these remarks while addressing an event organised to mark Sri Lanka’s National Independence Day in New Delhi on February 4.

The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the Sri Lankan National flag amidst the beating of ceremonial drums (Magul Bera).

Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India Austin Fernando said as neighbours, friends, and relatives, Sri Lanka had a close relationship with India in many spheres. “Buddhism has played a seminal aspect that binds us together, which is a significant factor that contributes to the celebration of our Independence Day in India. Touching on Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations with India, he emphasized that it will certainly pave the way for Sri Lanka to fully enjoy the real freedom it had received in 1948,” he said.

The programme included the reading of Independence Day messages by President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana.

At the end of the formal event, two dance items were performed by the Sri Lanka Navy Dance Troupe bringing colour to the event. The invitees numbering around 120 including Sri Lankan expatriates and students who are in New Delhi were then hosted to a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast. An almsgiving was held prior to the official ceremony at the official residence, for the Buddhist clergy representing major Sri Lankan Buddhist Institutes in India.

The same evening, a reception was held for around 800 guests including political dignitaries, senior government officials of India, members of the diplomatic corps, eminent business leaders and members of the Sri Lankan community in India at the Residence of the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India.

of our Independence Day in India. Touching on Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations with India, he emphasized that it will certainly pave the way for Sri Lanka to fully enjoy the real freedom it had received in 1948