High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

Speech by Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India - Chief Guest - National Day Reception - 04.02.2026 PDF Print option in slimbox / lytebox? (info) E-mail
High Commissioner Her Excellency Ms. Mahishini Colonne (महिषिनी कोलोन),
 
Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
 
Distinguished Guests,
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Namaste, Ayubowan (आयुबोवन), and Good Evening.
 
It is a great honour and privilege to join you this evening to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
 
​On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I extend my warmest congratulations to Her Excellency the High Commissioner, and to the Government and people of Sri Lanka on this momentous national occasion.
 
The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is rooted not merely in geographical proximity, but in a shared history, culture, religion, and deep civilizational links.
 
These enduring bonds have stood the test of time and continue to evolve, enriched by contemporary cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
 
Friends,
In recent years, our bilateral partnership has entered a phase of renewed dynamism.
 
India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR vision underscore our unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka’s prosperity and development.
 
​India’s support for Sri Lanka has always been unconditional, and guided by the belief that a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka contributes to regional security and shared growth.
In this spirit, India once again stood firmly with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah (दितवाह).
 
India has consistently been the first responder—whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis of 2022 or after Natural Disasster.
 
Our future holds immense opportunities for cooperation in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, digital transformation, tourism, railways, defence cooperation, healthcare, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
 
Friends,
 
The visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka in 2025, and the visit of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to India in 2024, laid a strong foundation for advancing our long-term partnership. The outcomes of these visits reflected our shared vision based on synergy, complementarity, and mutual benefit.
 
​Despite global uncertainties, our trade and investment ties remain robust. India continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching 5.8 billion USD in financial year 2024–25.
 
Indian investments in Sri Lanka are also steadily increasing and now account for nearly 50 percent of total foreign investment in the country.
 
India firmly believes in the transformative power of digital technology as a driver of inclusive growth.
 
Drawing on our own experience in delivering citizen-centric digital public services at scale, India is pleased to support the implementation of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project. This will serve as a key enabler of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation.
 
Friends,
 
India’s development partnership with Sri Lanka merits special mention.
 
India’s overall assistance now exceeds 7.5 billion USD, including grants of over 850 million USD.
 
Our development projects covering - housing, transport, health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and railways—are aligned with Sri Lanka’s national priorities and span all provinces of the country.
 
Our commitment to the people of Sri Lanka is as deep and steadfast as our commitment to our own citizens and this unparalleled bond guided our swift response to Cyclone Ditwah (दितवाह). Our 2 naval ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri were immediately redeployed for humanitarian assistance and relief operations.
 
​I am pleased to note that the restoration of bridges and railway lines, as well as the relocation of houses and hospitals, has already begun under this 450 million USD relief package.
 
Equally significant is our commitment to capacity building, reflecting India’s belief that people are the most valuable asset of any nation. It’s a great honor for us that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and H.E. High commissioner are the distinguish alumni of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations Scholarship Programme.
 
At the heart of India–Sri Lanka relations are strong and enduring people-to-people ties which continue to flourish through cultural exchanges, educational linkages, religious tourism, and travel.
 
​In 2025, India remained the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka with our more than 5 lacs Indian visiting your beautiful country.
 
Even as we speak, the exposition of the Sacred Buddha Relics from Devni Mori is underway in Colombo from 4 to 11 February, and this profound spiritual and cultural bond is the foundation of our civilization ties.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
India–Sri Lanka relations are clearly on an upward trajectory, marked by renewed political engagement, growing economic cooperation, and deeper mutual trust.
 
​Let me conclude by reiterating the Government of India’s firm commitment to further consolidating and advancing the India–Sri Lanka partnership for shared progress prosperity.