Ayubowan!

Religious Dignitaries,

Distinguished Guests,

Friends,

It is with immense pride that I stand here today, speaking on the 62nd Anniversary of the 62nd Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka.    The pride comes from the achievement of greater freedom. Today Sri Lanka stands united as a single nation, an undivided country. Let me remind you that today, today is not just another 4th of February, today is not just the completion of 62 years after independence. Today, after 20 years, we are celebrating independence, independence from colonial clutches, and independence from terror and fear.

On 4th February 1948, the late Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake said that Independence was obtained to reduce suffering and increase happiness among people, without any discrimination on grounds of race, political affiliation, religion, caste or gender. Now, freedom was won, not for any single community, but for all in Sri Lanka. History has shown us that when we are united, we progress. Now is our second chance for the repetition, to stand united for a better tomorrow.

The land area of our island is minuscule when compared to our giant neighbours. However, despite our size, we stand as an example to other countries in our region, and altogether to the larger developing world too. This tiny island, after a long and bitter battle, was able to annihilate the LTTE; and organization considered to be the most ruthless terrorists in the world. We also stand unparalleled with the longest history of democracy in Asia. As one of the first and few developing countries to introduce universal health and education, gender equality and social mobilization, we have been able to achieve exceptional socio-economic indicators, a factor highly unexpected amongst developing countries.

As a Sri Lankan I am so proud to say that peace and harmony now prevail upon my motherland. Now, our terror free Sri Lanka is on its fast track to be a prosperous, flourishing and a truly bountiful land. Sri Lanka remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the Asia Pacific Region and is accelerating towards fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals at a record speed.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai is one of the most important Missions aboard, given the deep historic ties, which could be traced back several centuries, in all spheres from cultural, religious, trade and political between Sri Lanka and Southern India. Of course, this Mission is entrusted with the task of strengthening of the existing good relations with Southern India. However, our foremost obligation is to ensure the welfare of the citizens of Sri Lanka within our jurisdiction. Therefore, today I make this an opportunity to call upon my fellow Sri Lankans to consider this Mission as your ‘Mahagedara” in India.

This Mission and its staff are always there for you, to address your needs, requests and grievances as appropriate, within the parameters made available for us. Our Consular Section, especially, is always there to help you with all consular-related matters. For example, we are there to assist you in happiness and sorrow.

Therefore, I humbly request each and every one of you to reach us in hour of your need, to share your smiles and tears. This maybe the first chance I have got to meet most of you who are here today, hence, I would like to assure you that although this Mission is surrounded by a tall parapet wall, with police officers guarding the entrance, my colleagues and I here in the Mission are here to serve you.

Thank you!