On the evening of 26 January 2026, the Consul General of India, Hambantota hosted a 77th Republic Day Celebration reception attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Kapila Jayasekera; Champa Janaki Rajaratne; Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Ruwan Senarath; Nihal Galappaththi; and L. M. Abeywickrama, along with many other high-level officials and prominent members of the Sri Lankan Parliament.

The reception featured vibrant cultural performances, including the Vande Mataram dance commemorating the 150th anniversary of the iconic song, as well as classical and folk dance forms such as Ghoomar, Kathak, and Punjabi dance. In addition, documentary videos highlighting the visits of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister of India were screened, offering attendees insights into India’s cultural, diplomatic, and people-to-people engagements.

The evening provided a festive and enriching platform to celebrate India’s heritage, strengthen bilateral ties, and showcase the shared cultural connections between India and Sri Lanka.