The Honourable Mayor of Kandy, Mr. Tilak Ratnayake, Distinguished Councillors, Citizens of Kandy, Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of my wife and on my own behalf, may I thank you with all sincerity for the welcome you have so kindly extended to us. Indeed, the manner in which we have been received since our arrival in Sri Lanka has deeply moved us and we are most grateful.
We are very happy to be with you today, for undeniably a visit to Sri Lanka without a visit to Kandy would be one far from complete.
I thank the distinguished citizens of Kandy for the great honour and privilege of giving me the Key of Kandy. I shall take it back with me not only as a lasting memory of this visit but also as a token of friendship between our two nations. It is also a town which holds a special place in the hearts of many Maldivians, for it was in its schools that they received their education that so well equipped them to serve their country. Many of those erstwhile students of Kandy are presently holding important posts in the Government.
This ancient seat of Royal Government and home of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage has for centuries been a source of wonder and inspiration for all those who respect the past and appreciate the value of traditional art and architecture. Earlier this year, the Maldives had a particularly fine example of this country’s cultural ‘heritage when the Sri Lanka National Youth Council Cultural Troupe visited our capital of Male’. We were greatly pleased to note that many of the classical dances they performed originated in this beautiful and historic capital of Serendib.
Kandy is a city which has made a notable contribution to Sri Lanka and the region. For it was here that a Kingdom and its people successfully resisted for three centuries successive waves of colonial invasion - maintaining its independence with outstanding skill, courage and resolution.
It is my sincere wish that the contribution Kandy has made to the culture and history of Sri Lanka and Asia will continue to give its people the international recognition which they so well deserve.
May I again confirm how very pleased my wife and I are to be here and to place on record our deep appreciation of the warm welcome you have so generously given us and which we will long remember with fond lasting gratitude.