The 71st Independence Day of India was celebrated yesterday (15) in grand fashion at the India House in Colombo. Several dignitaries from the Indian High commission and the Indian expatriate community of Sri Lanka were present at the event.
A flag hoisting ceremony was held where the Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu, unfurled the National Flag and inspected a Guard of Honour presented by the BSF contingent. Commissioner Sandhu then went on to read experts from the address given by President of India Ram Nath Kovind on the eve of independence.
It was highlighted that after 7 decades following an impoverished rule India had flourished to transform into one of the fastest growing economies in the world. He remembered freedom fighters who strived for India and stated that the people must never forget the “neighbors first” policy that has served the country well.
A cultural ceremony was held afterwards including performances by Oscar nominee Pandit Bickram Ghosh at a show held at the BMICH. Consulates General of India in Jaffna and Hambantota and the Assistant High Commission of India in Kandy also celebrated the 70th Independence Day by organizing flag hoisting ceremonies.
