As we celebrate the 74th Republic Day of India this is just not a celebration of the Republic Day, it is not just the celebration of the largest democracy but a celebration of the Mother of Democracy, said Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay.
The Indian High Commissioner was speaking at the 74th Indian Republic Day Celebrations held at Indian House Colombo on January 26, 2023.
“India is today the 5th largest economy in the world, we have successfully come out of the wave of COVID and is also in the forefront handling global challenges like climate change and terrorism. It is just not an engine of the global economy but it is also an engine of social change. In Prime Minister Narendra Moody’s Neighbour First Policy Sri Lanka occupies a central place as our closest friend and maritime neighbour. India and Sri Lanka are not merely friends but fraternal countries,” High Commissioner Baglay said.
India is committed to the friendship, democracy, stability, economic recovery and growth with Sri Lanka and for an investment-led economic recovery in Sri Lanka, he said.
Justice Minister and Prison Affairs Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe addressing the event as Chief Guest said the two countries will resume negotiations shortly to take forward the proposed India Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) which seeks to increase two way trade and investment.
“In the aftermath of tsunami and the COVID-19 pandemic and at other times of crisis, India was the first to respond to Sri Lanka’s requests and India has been a dependable partner of Sri Lanka and will continue to be so, Minister Dr. Rajapakshe said. Several dignitaries from all walks of life attend this event.
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with TULF Leader V. Anandasangaree.
Health Minister Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella, MP Sarath Weerasekera and Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay and Justice Minister and Prison Affairs Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC toasting the event.
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa being greeted by Minister Tiran Alles.
Minister of Transport and Highways and Minister of Mass Media Dr.Bandula Gunawardana in conversation with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa watched by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay.
MP Vajira Abeywardena in conversation with Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake.
Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in conversation with Justice Minister and Prison Affairs Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC.
Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and his wife greeted by the Indian High Commissioner.
An Indian dance item to mark Republic Day.
Pictures by Sulochana Gamage
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