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India celebrates 76th Republic Day, highlights enduring partnership with Sri Lanka
Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey yesterday emphasized the enduring bond between India and Sri Lanka on the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day. Addressing a gathering, Dr. Pandey highlighted the remarkable journey of India’s democracy and the shared future envisioned through strengthened bilateral ties.
“This occasion is particularly special as the Constitution of India completes 75 years since its commencement,” Dr. Pandey remarked. “The Indian Constitution has guided the nation’s transformation into the world’s largest democracy and the fifth-largest economy, embodying values that continue to inspire progress and inclusivity.”
Reflecting on this year’s Republic Day theme, “Golden India – Heritage and Development”, he underscored India’s commitment to modernization while preserving its rich heritage. As an example, he highlighted the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest human gathering, where technology like AI, drones, and advanced waste management techniques are being used to manage an event expected to draw over 400 million attendees.
Turning to India’s foreign policy, Dr. Pandey reiterated India’s commitment to regional collaboration under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and SAGAR Vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region). “Sri Lanka is a key partner,” he said, emphasizing the civilizational, cultural, and historical ties that bind the two nations.
Dr. Pandey highlighted India’s consistent support to Sri Lanka, especially during times of crisis. “Whether it was natural disasters, the COVID pandemic, or the recent economic crisis, India has always been the first responder. Our assistance has been timely, unconditional, and rooted in trust.”
He noted that India stands as Sri Lanka’s principal development partner, with a grant portfolio of nearly USD 780 million. Recent initiatives include converting USD 100 million of development loans into grants, along with advancing energy and digital infrastructure projects such as the Sampur Solar Power Plant, LNG supply, and the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project.
Dr. Pandey emphasized the importance of moving from debt-driven growth to investment-led partnerships, a priority highlighted during Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India in December 2024.
“The India-Sri Lanka partnership is people-led and people-centred,” he said, pointing to initiatives in capacity building, scholarships, and cultural exchanges, including India’s recognition of Pali as a classical language and the shared reverence for figures like Thiruvalluvar and the Ramayana Trail.
Dr. Pandey concluded by urging both nations to strengthen their collaboration, stating, “Let us foster partnerships for a shared future.”
INS Sindhukesari, a submarine serving in the Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds.
The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions.
Throughout its stay in the island, the submarine’s crew is scheduled to participate in a variety of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
INS Sindhukesari arrives in Colombo
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
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