Message by His Excellency Hussain Shihab, High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives in Sri Lanka,

On the auspicious occasion of the 48th anniversary of our independence, I wish to convey my heartfelt greetings to the Government and the very friendly and hospitable people of Sri Lanka on this joyous occasion. I am equally pleased to share the happiness of this auspicious occasion with my fellow Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka.

It is with immense pleasure that I take this opportunity to convey my sincere greetings and warm sentiments to our beloved President, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, on this joyous occasion.

I sincerely believe that no two countries are socially, culturally and economically closer than our two countries. It is my humble duty to express our sincere thanks on this occasion to all the Sri Lankan and Maldivian leaders, past and present, who contributed to building this strong relationship to its present height. Many ties of family, friendship and cooperation bind us with evercloser affinity. Both our countries are committed to further strengthen these ties, develop economic cooperation and to work togeth- er for regional stability, peace, prosperity and progress.

I would also like to; while presenting my greetings and best wishes to all my fellow Maldivians living in this beautiful island Sri Lanka, would want to convey a message.

Many Maldivian families reside in this country for the educational purpose of their children, for the health care of their relatives and, a few others to enjoy the warm hospitality of this beautiful country.

I wish to stress to all of them that while we bask in the generous hospitality that we continue to receive from Government and the people of this beautiful country, it is our obligation to respect and behave with an additional sense of responsibility, bearing in mind that it is up to each and everyone of us to ensure that we maintain our reputation as a friendly and well behaved people and to sustain the everlasting bonds of affiliation between our two peoples.

We must always remember that the hospitality and cooperation we enjoy in Sri Lanka today is due to a mountain of goodwill and reputation that we have been building in the past. We must act with steadfastness and resolve to protect and uphold these intangible assets for the enjoyment of the future generations. Please always remember; you are our real Ambassadors.

Maldives and Sri lanka has been going trough testing times. Maldives; with its New Democracy, and going through the strong winds of change. Srilanka making determined onward steps through the difficult period of the after-war reconciliation.

However, our countries have been supportive of each other in these difficult times. Showcasing to the world what a historic bond between two friendly Nabors can be and what fruit it could reap. With the will of all mighty Allah it will strengthen from year to year and last for eternity.

I am confident that with the new social, economic and political freedoms that Sri Lanka is enjoying today, thanks to the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the traditional relations between our two countries will continue to grow and prosper in the future. I extend my best wishes to the Sri Lankan people, the Government and their leaders for happiness, prosperity and a peaceful future.