Reaffirming the friendship between the two countries, Sri Lanka extends its best wishes to the Government and people of India, celebrating the unbreakable bonds between the nations and their future cooperation, the Minister of Health and Media said.
The Sri Lanka–India Society organised a cultural programme and dinner reception to mark India’s 79th Independence Day, held on Sept. 15, at the Taj Samudra Hotel under the patronage of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa.
The Minister attended the event at the invitation of the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, and Mrs Tanuja Jha.
Expressing his delight at joining the programme organised by the Sri Lanka–India Society to celebrate the 79th Independence Day of Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour, the Minister conveyed heartfelt greetings to the Government and people of India.
He noted that an Independence Day is not only a celebration of freedom, but also a reminder of a people’s resilience, unity, and their commitment to safeguarding the values of democracy and progress. As Sri Lankans, he said, “we are pleased to see India’s achievements.”
“Sri Lanka–India Society marks India’s 79th Independence Day with cultural programme and dinner ”
The Minister stressed that India–Sri Lanka relations have been nurtured for centuries, with the two countries bound not only as neighbours but also like a family. He commended the Sri Lanka–India Society for its valuable role in safeguarding this friendship through cultural programmes, educational activities and other initiatives, and thanked India for its generous humanitarian assistance and cooperation during challenging times.
In the modern era, he said, cooperation between the two countries spans multiple sectors, with India acting as a steady partner supporting Sri Lanka’s trade and investment, industry and livelihoods.
Health services are another great example of cooperation, he added, noting India’s consistent support to strengthen Sri Lanka’s health system, including the establishment of Apollo Hospital in Colombo and the launch of an ambulance service as a donation.
Addressing education, cultural cooperation, and political and strategic relations, the Minister highlighted scholarships, training programmes, cultural festivals and artistic collaborations, as well as the two countries standing shoulder to shoulder in the face of common challenges. He said ensuring regional peace, stability and prosperity is a shared responsibility, and principles such as India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and Sri Lanka’s active regional engagement are built on a vision of partnership and shared growth.
