Hon. Governor, His Excellency Willie Gamage and Madam, Hon. Members of Parliament Hon. Gayantha Karunathilake, Hon. Weerasumana Weerasinghe, Hon. Nipuna Ranawaka, Mayor of Galle, District Secretary of Matara, other Secretaries of Southern Province, Commanding Officer of Air force, Vice Chancellor of University of Ruhuna and dear friends…

I warmly welcome you to this wonderful evening. January 26^th is celebrated as the Republic Day to commemorate the establishment of Indian Constitution that secures all its citizens liberty, justice, equality and fraternity. It was on this day; 72 years ago the world’s largest written constitution came into force in a young and independent India. Republic Day is centered on 26^th January to mark that day in 1930 when India resolved to win complete freedom. From 1930 to 1947 every year 26^th January was celebrated as “Poorna Swaraj Day” and that was the day chosen to put the constitution in force.

Dear friends,

Sri Lanka occupies a central place in India’s “neighbourhood is first policy” and is India’s closest maritime neighbour and friend. Linkages between our countries extend beyond thousands of years in multi-dimensional arenas. India continues to be Sri Lanka’s dependable friend. Last year, we ensured vaccines, oxygen supply during COVID 19 pandemic to Sri Lanka and also as the first responder in mitigating marine disasters. The recent economic and forex support from India to Sri Lanka underlines our commitment to Sri Lanka. Our friendship was further strengthened through various initiatives such as inauguration of Kushinagar Airport, establishment of Sri Lanka India Parliamentary Friendship Association etc.

This year India will be completing 75 years of independence. As a part of celebrating 75 years of India’s independence Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. I also use this opportunity to wish all the Sri Lankans a happy independence day which will be celebrated little over a week from now. I once again welcome each one of you to this wonderful occasion., CGI Hambantota will be organizing various programmes under the initiative of