The Consulate General of India, Hambantota in Sri Lanka celebrated the 67th Republic Day of India on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at the premises of the Consulate General of India, Hambantota. Consul General, Mr. Raj Kumar, unfurled the Indian flag at 9.00 a.m.at the premises of the Consulate General of India. He read out the Address to the Nation on the eve of the Republic Day by the Hon´ble President of India H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee.
2. About 70 Guests, including Municipal Councillors, District Secretary, Senior Government officials, local police officials, representatives of Hambantota Chamber of Commerce, Banks, Hospitals etc. participated in the flag hoisting ceremony. Snacks were served after the event.
3. In the evening, to commemorate India’s 67th Republic Day, a brief cultural programme was organised by the Consulate General of India in association with local kathak dance teacher at Jetwings Hotels, Galle, followed by a Reception hosted by Consul General, which was attended by more than 100 guests including Minister of Education, Southern Province Hon. Mr Chandima Rasaputhra, Minister of Cultural Affairs Hon. Hon. Mr H.G. Weerasumana Weerasinghe, GA’s of Matara, Galle & Monaragala District, Vice Chancellor of Ruhunu University, DIG, etc. Acting Chief Minister of Southern Province H.E. Mr. U G D Ariyathilaka was the Chief Guest. The event was well received by the local people.
4. Speaking about the state of India-Sri Lanka relations, Consul General highlighted that India shares a special relationship with Sri Lanka which is not just geographical, but dictated by ties of shared religions, cultural practices, family linkages, linguistic commonalities, economic inter-linkages, and political understanding between two democracies.
5. Consul General stated that Government of India has been undertaking various developmental activities at Southern Province and Monaragala District such as donation of a language lab, donation of Indian musical instruments, construction of crafts village, Hambantota
27th January 2016
