High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

Remarks by H.E. Mahishini Colonne High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India 78th National Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony New Delhi, 9 a.m. | 04 February 2026

Good morning.
Ayubowan – Vanakkam – Namaskar.
 
 
Most Venerable Maha Sangha,
Honoured Members of the Clergy,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Members of the Sri Lankan Community,
Friends and Well-wishers,
 
 
Thank you for being here this morning.
 
You have just heard the messages of our President, our Prime Minister, and our Minister of Foreign Affairs – three voices speaking as one – expressing the hopes and resolve of our nation.
 
I will not repeat their words. Instead, in the few minutes I have with you, I would like to reflect on what this day means – for Sri Lanka, of us gathered here, and for the extraordinary relationship we share with this great country, India.
 
Seventy-eight years ago, today, Sri Lanka – then Ceylon – ceased to be a colony and became a free nation.
 
Since that day, our journey has not always been easy. There have been periods of progress and periods of difficulty. But through it all, we have kept moving forward – with resilience, and with hope.
 
Today, we pause on that journey. We look back with gratitude. We reflect on the challenges we have faced. And we look ahead with determination, hope and confidence. The future is not going to be one free of difficulty, but we resolve to move ahead to face challenges with courage. That is the journey of humankind. The journey of all nations.
 
Recent hardships – including Cyclone Ditwah just over two months ago, have tested us deeply. But they have also revealed something enduring and powerful: the unbreakable spirit of our people. Across the country, neighbours and communities came together instinctively to help one another – opening their homes, sharing food and essentials, volunteering in rescue and relief efforts, and ensuring the vulnerable were not left behind. Humanitarian partners, including the United Nations agencies and the Red Cross, noted the extraordinary role played by local volunteers and community networks, whose solidarity and compassion became a lifeline in the most difficult days.
 
In his Message today, the President has spoken of ensuring that the gains we make as a nation reach every community. Our Prime Minister has called for a society built on dignity, knowledge, and compassion. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to engaging the world through friendship and cooperation.
 
Together, these messages point toward one goal – a united Sri Lanka moving forward with confidence.
 
To our Sri Lankan community here in India, I want to say that you are an essential part of this national journey. Though you live beyond our shores, your hearts remain closely connected to home.
 
Through your work, your achievements, and your daily lives, you contribute to Sri Lanka’s progress and reputation in meaningful ways.
 
You are also a vital bridge between Sri Lanka and India.
 
Sri Lanka and India are not simply neighbours. Our civilizational ties stretch back millennia – shaped by the movement of peoples, ideas, faith, language, and culture across the Palk Strait long before passports came into existence.
 
Today, especially following the Visits of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to India in December 2024, and Prime Minister Modi to Sri Lanka in April last year, the bonds between Sri Lanka and India are being renewed and strengthened as never before.
 
This is not diplomatic rhetoric. It is the lived reality of our partnership.
 
India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner. Largest source of tourism. And a significant investor. India’s development cooperation with Sri Lanka now exceeds 7.5 billion US dollars. Indian investment accounts for roughly half of all foreign investment in Sri Lanka. There are around 180 weekly flights between our two countries with 3 flights daily between Delhi and Colombo.
 
Air links, digital connectivity, energy connectivity – all are being expanded and strengthened.
 
But beyond the numbers lies something even more meaningful.
 
When Cyclone Ditwah struck, India did not wait to be asked for help. India responded immediately. On the very same day the cyclone hit, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu. Indian Navy ships - INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri – which were visiting Colombo at that moment, were immediately deployed for rescue.
 
India delivered over 1,100 tonnes of relief material. 14.5 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment. 228 tonnes of Bailey Bridge units to restore connectivity. Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force flew rescue missions. The Indian Army set up a field hospital near Kandy. Emergency medical units were airlifted to Sri Lanka. And within days, External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar visited Colombo as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy, announcing a relief and rebuilding package of over 450 million US dollars – covering rehabilitation, housing, health, agriculture, and disaster preparedness.
 
India’s response reflected the closeness of our peoples and the strength of our partnership.
 
As we celebrate Sri Lanka’s Independence Day today, we also honour this enduring partnership between our two countries.
 
All of us here – Sri Lankans studying and working in India – have a special role in strengthening the bond between our two countries. You are not just bystanders, but living bridges between our two nations and our peoples.
 
We must all carry that responsibility with pride.
  
As we conclude this ceremony – before we sing the National Anthem once more – this time in Tamil, a beautiful reminder that diversity is Sri Lanka’s strength – let me leave you with this thought:
 
We are a nation that has faced setbacks. But we are also a nation that has risen, and is determined to rise stronger, fairer, and more united.
 
Each of us have a role to play in that journey.
 
So let us move forward with unity, with confidence, and with purpose.
 
May Sri Lanka continue its journey toward stability, reconciliation, peace, and prosperity.
 
May the bonds between Sri Lanka and India grow ever stronger.
 
And may every Sri Lankan – wherever they may be – remain a proud partner in our shared national journey.
 
Happy Independence Day!
 
Thank you. Bohoma stuthi. Nandri. Dhanyavaad.