High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Friends from the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Namaskar, Ayubowan, and Good Evening.
 
It is a pleasure for my colleagues and me to welcome you to the “Sri Lanka Residence” for the launch of “Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka”.
 
This is a book that, in many ways, is a journey into the soul of Sri Lanka – captured through colour, memory, landscape, and the humble yet evocative medium of souvenir magnets.
 
It is, at the same time, a tapestry woven from the generosity of our communities, the warmth of our people, the diversity of our culture, and the beauty of our Island that we are blessed to call home.
 
My role today is not to speak about the book. I will leave that to the authors –
 
-Dr. Anthony Vipin Das and Ms. Vidushi Duggal;
 
-our distinguished moderator, Mr. Sanjoy Roy;
 
-Professor Mahalakshmi Ramakrishnan;
 
-and Ambassador Gitesh Sarma.
 
Before we proceed with the programme, I hope you will bear with me for a few moments.
 
When Dr. Vipin met me a few weeks ago and we agreed to host this event, none of us imagined the circumstances under which we would gather today.
 
As you know, we meet at a time of immense difficulty for Sri Lanka.
 
Cyclone Ditwah, which tore across our Island only days ago, has caused devastation on a scale that is hard to comprehend: over 410 lives lost as of this morning; 336 missing; thousands displaced; and serious damage to homes, schools, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Entire communities are in mourning, while others are beginning the painful and uncertain journey of rebuilding.
 
Cyclone Ditwah struck with the force of an aerial bombardment – far beyond what the land could bear – especially in the mountainous regions and the low-lying areas across the basins of Sri Lanka’s 103 rivers.
 
Even as our government and people work around the clock in rescue and relief operations, the magnitude of destruction has made one truth unmistakably clear: Sri Lanka urgently needs the support of her friends. We simply do not have the economic strength to face this crisis alone.
 
And it is in moments of grief and uncertainty that the true strength of friendship is revealed. India, as always, has stood by Sri Lanka with remarkable solidarity. The swift launch of Operation “Sagar Bandhu” – the deployment of search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel, ships, aircraft, over 53 tons of relief material, and continued assistance even as we speak – has brought relief and hope to countless families.
 
On behalf of the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to India.
 
I also extend our sincere appreciation to members of the diplomatic community, officials, friends, and individuals who have reached out with messages of comfort, solidarity, and support.
 
As we move from emergency relief to early recovery, Sri Lanka needs continued partnership to rebuild homes, schools, health facilities, community spaces, and local economies – to restore livelihoods, and to accompany us through the long process of healing and reconstruction.
 
The Government has already initiated discussions with the World Bank to undertake a detailed assessment of the damage and the financial needs for recovery.
 
The task ahead is immense. It is not a journey Sri Lanka can undertake alone.
 
To everyone here, and to the wider Indian public, I want to say this:

your connection with Sri Lanka has always gone far deeper than geography. Every visitor, every pilgrim, every student, every traveller strengthens our bond. I warmly encourage you to continue travelling to Sri Lanka. Tourism sustains families and communities, and your presence will directly support our recovery.
 
In that spirit, I am deeply grateful to Dr. Vipin and Ms. Vidushi for their generous decision that proceeds from every book purchased this evening will go directly towards relief and recovery efforts for Cyclone Ditwah.
 
For those who wish to contribute further, we have arranged a mechanism at this event. Every act of generosity will directly support affected communities on the ground.
  

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This evening is enriched by the presence of an exceptional panel.

 
Professor Mahalakshmi Ramakrishnan,

Professor at the Centre for Historical Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, whose work spans South Asian religious traditions, cultural practices, art, and early Indian history. She has collaborated closely with Sri Lankan scholars and institutions, and I have heard her describe Sri Lanka as her “karma-bhumi”, just as I call India, mine. We are honoured to have her share her reflections this evening.
 
Ambassador Gitesh Sarma,

a distinguished diplomat who has served India across the world, including as High Commissioner or Ambassador to Australia, Uzbekistan, and Fiji, and Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs. I first met him not in Sri Lanka, but on an island far away in the Pacific – Honolulu. Having travelled widely, across the world, his first visit to Sri Lanka was as recent as October this year, which makes it especially refreshing to have him share his impressions of the Island and of the book.
 
Mr. Sanjoy Roy, our moderator,
needs no introduction. As Managing Director of Teamwork Arts and co-founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival, Sanjoy-ji has shaped cultural conversations across more than 45 cities worldwide. His insight, warmth, and ability to bring stories alive make him uniquely suited to guide us through this evening.
 
And of course, this gathering is possible because of our two remarkable authors –
 
Dr. Anthony Vipin Das, an eye surgeon by profession and an explorer at heart; and Ms. Vidushi Duggal, a writer, happiest when travelling, discovering new cultures, and tasting the flavours of the world.
 
We will now play a short two-minute video on the book, after which Mr. Sanjoy Roy will lead us into the conversation.
 
Thank you.