After regaining Independence, Sri Lanka made significant advancements in many spheres including agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, information technology, mass media and communication. Described as the ‘Pearl in the Indian ocean,’ Sri Lanka has abundance of natural resources. Our land is home to rivers, mountains and fertile lands. The people of Sri Lanka are intelligent, dynamic and hardworking and Sri Lanka, in every respect, has much to offer for every segment of the international community. We have a liberal investment environment which encourages foreign investment, good infrastructure, literate workforce and many other benefits which are important for foreign investors.

For the discerning tourist, Sri Lanka offers luscious greenery, picturesque mountains and sunny beaches with pleasing weather conditions. The tourism and leisure industries in Sri Lanka are among some of the best in the world. Being strategically located, our country is not only ideal for investment and tourism but also plays an important role at the regional and international arena on many issues. 

Despite the challenges Sri Lanka encounters due to terrorism in the present day, we are determined to overcome all obstacles to find a negotiated political solution to our internal conflict.  H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa in his National Day address to the nation yesterday has reiterated his sincere commitment to the negotiated political settlement to the conflict taking into consideration the aspiration of all communities in Sri Lanka.

We are also grateful to the support extended by India, our closest neighbour and friend, with whom we share many links since time immemorial including language, religion, food habits and attire among many others.  During this year’s celebrations we have focussed on three such links namely food, dress and music.

I thank you for your presence and hope you will enjoy the rest of this evening.