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 26th 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 26th
January to mark that day in 1930 when India resolved to win complete freedom.
From 1930 to 1947 every year 26th 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
