His Excellency A.M.J. Sadiq, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the Maldives,
Excellencies and Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Subha Sændǣvak
A very good evening to all
It’s a great honour for me to be a part of this joyous celebration, marking the 76th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence. On this momentous occasion, I offer sincere felicitations and best wishes to President, His Excellency Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Government, and the friendly people of Sri Lanka, on behalf of President, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Government and people of the Maldives, and on my own behalf.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Since time immemorial, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have maintained close fraternal ties. People-to-people interactions have existed long before our independence. The partnership between our two governments, as well as the close ties between our two peoples, are clear indications of the historical ties of cooperation between our two nations.
I’m confident that Maldives-Sri Lanka ties will indeed continue to flourish. The bilateral agreements between the two countries on important issues such as air services, communications, cultural and educational cooperation, trade and economic matters, science and technology, tourism and shipping have formed the bedrock of our ties for many years.
The close connections that exist between our two nations are apparent in our culture, traditions, and linguistics. Throughout history, Maldivian merchants and sailors have frequented the ports of Serendib, perceiving it as a second home.
Today, Sri Lanka remains a second home to tens of thousands of Maldivians, whilst Maldives is host to a significant number of Sri Lankans. We underscore the important contribution of the Sri Lankan expatriate community to the socio-economic development of Maldives. Further, we deeply appreciate the cooperation and assistance extended to Maldivians in Sri Lanka, notably in the fields of education and health.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Several decades prior to the independence of our two nations, the Maldives established its first Representative Office in Colombo on 11 March 1906, thereby establishing an official presence in Sri Lanka. The role of Sri Lanka as an important partner in our development efforts, especially in the areas of health and education as well as economic and social development cannot be overemphasized.
In the realm of education, particularly, Sri Lankan teachers played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of English-medium educational system. Decades of guidance by several of these qualified
Sri Lankan educators in the Maldives created an educated generation of Maldivians. They also serve to bring our two countries closer together.
Thousands of Maldivians had received their secondary and tertiary education in Sri Lankan institutions, in almost every field.
I also believe that Maldivian tuna, popularly known in Sri Lanka as ‘umbalakada’ continue to be a staple food in both countries, blending our cuisines delectably.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
We recall with fondness, His Excellency Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe’s visit to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Dr. Muizzu and myself. The visit reinforces the mutual trust, respect and goodwill that exists between the two brotherly countries. I am certain the Sri Lanka-Maldives relations will reach unprecedented levels of engagement during the tenure of President Dr. Muizzu.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
The Maldives will always remain a reliable friend, and a partner of Sri Lanka, and its people. We are committed to work closely with Sri Lanka both bilaterally and at regional and international fora, to further deepen and enhance the bilateral ties between our two countries.
Before I conclude, let me once again take this opportunity to convey best wishes to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on this joyous occasion. May the close ties of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka grow from strength to strength in the years to come!
Subha Nidahas Dinayak Wewa! (Happy Independence Day!)
I thank you all.