Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of Sri Lanka on the eve of the 69th Anniversary of the country’s Independence (February 4, 2017).
In a message to his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena, the Indian President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 69th Anniversary of your Independence.”
He said: “India and Sri Lanka share a unique relationship. The close ties of friendship between our countries have been built over centuries. The expanding scope of our wide-ranging relationship continues to be the strong foundation of our contemporary discourse. The renewed dynamism in the Sri Lankan polity under your leadership will help to forge a stable path for the future of Sri Lanka and further strengthen our partnership to the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”
“On this occasion, I would like to assure you that as a close friend and neighbour, India will continue to extend her support to the Government and people of Sri Lanka as you pursue your national goals,” the President said.
“Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and personal well being as well as for progress, prosperity and happiness of the people of Sri Lanka,” Mukherjee said.
Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth II also issued a message on the occasion of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day.
“It gives me great pleasure to send Your Excellency Maithripala Sirisena my congratulations on the celebration of your National Day, together with my best wishes for the good fortune and happiness of the people of Sri Lanka in the coming year,” the message said.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has also offered his congratulations to the Sri Lankan people and government over the island nation’s Independence Day.
In a message released on Friday to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Rouhani felicitated Sri Lanka on its 69th Independence Day.
He further expressed confidence that amicable ties and coopetition between Tehran and Colombo would further expand in various spheres in light of the political will of the two countries’ officials, Tasnim News Agency reported.
The Iranian president also wished health and success for President Sirisena and prosperity and happiness for the Sri Lankan people.
Australia’s Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has also extended his warmest well wishes to the Australian-Sri Lankan community on the occasion of Sri Lankan Independence Day.
He added: “In the same way that the historic triumph was celebrated in 1948, Sri Lankans across the world will once again come together, hoisting the national flag, singing the national anthem, whilst also paying tribute to the forefathers of the land for their glorious feat.”
“This year Australia and Sri Lanka will mark the 70th Anniversary of our formal diplomatic relations. Our strong friendship is founded on our shared history of cooperation in areas such as education, trade, investment, sport, culture and development.”
“With enduring values of faith, family, hard work and commitment, Sri Lankan Australians have fostered their rich cultural heritage and continue to promote the benefits of our unique diversity.”
-Agencies
