High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

Namo Buddhaya!

Venerable P. Seewalee Thero

Chief Monk and General Secretary of the Mahabodhi Society of India

And other members of the Maha Sangha

His Excellency Shri Pabitra Margherita

Hon. Minister of State for External Affairs of India

Distinguished Guests,

Friends from the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Brothers and Sisters,

It is an honour to be here today in this sacred Buddha Vihar – a place that carries within its walls the spirit of Shri Anagarika Dharmapala and Mahatma Gandhi.

When Gandhiji inaugurated this temple in 1939, he called on all people to practice love and tolerance. Those words resonate with even greater meaning today as we gather to express our gratitude to Bharat.

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 Honourable Minister,

 We are deeply honoured by your presence this evening.

 Coming as you do from Assam – a region that reflects India’s rich tapestry of cultures and spiritual traditions – your presence here feels especially meaningful in this sacred space dedicated to the teachings of the Buddha.

 The Maha Bodhi Society of India that was founded in 1891, Honourable Minister, is an institution that embodies the profound civilisational bonds between our two nations.

More than a century ago, a son of Sri Lanka, Anagarika Dharmapala, came to India with a vision: to restore and protect the sacred sites associated with the life of the Buddha for all of humanity. His efforts strengthened the spiritual bridge between India and Sri Lanka – a bridge built upon a shared heritage.

For over two millennia, our histories have been intertwined – from the arrival of the Teachings of the Buddha in Sri Lanka during the time of Emperor Ashoka, to the continued pilgrimage of over 30,000 Sri Lankan pilgrims annually to this sacred land. Over 500,000 Indians visited Sri Lanka last year, and India continues to be the country from which Sri Lanka receives the largest number of visitors every year.

Mahatma Gandhi reminded us that the true strength of a nation lies in its moral courage and its commitment to the welfare of others. When Sri Lanka faced moments of profound difficulty, India demonstrated that spirit over and over again – from the Tsunami in 2004, the conclusion of the armed conflict in 2009, the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, the COVID – 19 pandemic in 2020, the economic crisis in 2022, and most recently, Cyclone Ditwah. India always stood by us.

Swiftly. Generously. And without hesitation.

India has consistently been a first responder — deploying naval and air assets, extending humanitarian assistance, medical supplies, financial support, and help for reconstruction.

We deeply appreciate the leadership and swift coordination of support by the Ministry of External Affairs under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar, and you which ensured that assistance reached those in need in a timely manner.

We also recall with gratitude the visit of Dr. Jaishankar as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi within weeks of the Cyclone – a gesture that conveyed solidarity and reassurance at a critical time.

We are particularly grateful for the substantial reconstruction support, including the 450 million US dollar package that is already facilitating the restoration of vital infrastructure – from transport and housing to health and community services.

What matters most, however, is not just the scale of assistance – but the spirit in which it was extended – reflecting trust and genuine concern.

Recent high-level exchanges – including the visit of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to India in December 2014, and Prime Minister Modi to Sri Lanka in April last year, have further strengthened this foundation.

These engagements are milestones in a partnership that is thriving, guided by mutual respect and shared aspirations.

As we rebuild from Cyclone Ditwah, as we continue our journey of economic recovery and renewal, we do so knowing that India stands with us, as a partner; as a friend.

Therefore, today’s gathering – “Thank You Bharat”, Hon. Minister, is more than an expression of appreciation for assistance rendered. It is recognition of a relationship that has endured for millennia. It is acknowledgement that India’s "Neighbourhood First" policy is not mere rhetoric but lived reality. It is appreciation for a nation that sees our prosperity as connected to yours, and our security as intertwined with yours.

The Buddha taught us about compassion and the interconnected nature of all life. India's actions and reiteration of Vasudeva Kutumbakam – “the world is one family” – embody these teachings.

Your support has restored hope for communities in my country, not just following Cyclone Ditwah, but for decades.

It has strengthened resilience.

And it has reaffirmed the enduring bonds between our nations.

As we look ahead, may our partnership continue to deepen — guided by compassion, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.

In that spirit, and with sincere appreciation, Honourable Minister,

From the people of Sri Lanka to the people of India:

Thank you, Bharat.