Kishore Reddy will head the Sri Lanka-India Society (SLIS) following the Annual General Meeting of SLIS, which was held recently at the Hotel Taj Samudra. Kishore Reddy has been unanimously elected as the President of the society, which is held in high esteem in both countries and takes over the leadership from Rohan Tudawe, whose term ended.

Sri Lanka-India Society (SLIS) which was established in 1949, is one of the oldest and the largest friendship Societies in Sri Lanka, formed for the development and promotion of social and cultural relations between the people of Sri Lanka and India, and thereby build-up friendship between the two countries.

SLIS focuses on cordial bonds between the two countries through increased collaboration in social and cultural fields. SLIS celebrates regular annual events in particular the Republic Day of India and Independence of both India and Sri Lanka. Another annual event is the Mahatma Gandhi oration on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti apart from various other cultural events and lectures.

The Sri Lanka-India Society is committed to its mission of strengthening the relations between the two countries – this commitment is further fortified by the activities and events the Society holds that foster bi-lateral relations. The objective of SLIS is to promote cordial bonds between the two countries by organizing social and cultural gatherings among its members and other well-wishers of Sri Lanka and India. It also involves in organizing and assisting in exchange of students, artists, lecturers and literature between the two countries, in addition to co-operating with other organizations and individuals as may be appropriate to further the relationship between the two countries. SLIS celebrates many events to recognize and strengthen bonds and friendship with the long historical ties between the two countries which grow deeper than mere friendship and also share religious and cultural practices that are important to both democracies.

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay who is also the patron of the society was present at the AGM and delivered an address that traced the roots of the Society and examined its unique role.

The High Commissioner mentioned that the activities of the society strengthened the already cordial relations between the two countries as both countries will be celebrating the 75 years of Independence close to each other. The independence is not just from colonial rule but also from suppression and ignorance.

High Commissioner Baglay also mentioned that though the present covid situation restricted activities, the period of COVID witnessed active cooperation between the two Governments in dealing with the pandemic and also engaged in knowledge sharing and exchange of good practices through video-conferencing involving the officials in both countries at the forefront of fighting the pandemic.

The two Governments supported each other and the smooth coordination between the two sides despite many odds testifies to the mutual trust and support in times of crisis.

He commended the activities undertaken by the Society under the able leadership of Rohan Tudawe and expressed his desire to see further consolidation in celebrating the warm and close ties between two neighboring countries that share such a common heritage under the leadership of Kishore Reddy.

Rohan Tudawe the outgoing president in his speech highlighted the activities done by the society and the increased interest that was seen by the increased number of members. Rohan Tudawe also mentioned how the members of the society, apart from developing the cultural and social relationship, also contributed to the welfare of the Infectious Diseases Hospital during COVID by providing essential and urgent equipment that was required at the time of need. Rohan Tudawe wished all the best to Kishore Reddy and mentioned that he would provide all the guidance and required assistance to the incoming president.

Kishore Reddy addressing the gathering in his inaugural speech he said “I am humbled and honored by the trust and confidence bestowed on me. It is indeed a moment of pride for me to be chosen as the President of one of the oldest friendship societies – Sri Lanka India Society.

“Each one of the past presidents were stalwarts in the society and did a great job in developing and continuing the high standards of the society, filling the shoes of the past presidents is not easy but I will try my best & with everyone’s support I am sure the society can develop on the existing strong foundation.

“I have been calling this beautiful Island, the pearl of the Indian ocean home for more than two and a half decades. It is my pleasure that I have been given the opportunity to promote and develop mutually beneficial relationships between my Janma Bhoomi (the country of my birth – INDIA) and my Karma Bhoomi (the land that I am destined to live in – SRI LANKA) through the Sri Lanka India Society” he said.

Kishore Reddy elaborated on the plan to form sub committees to support the objectives of the society and to involve the general membership in such committees to assist the executive committee and reiterated his commitment in further developing and enhancing the friendship bonds between the two countries.

Reddy also indicated that Today, there exists a clear consensus on both sides on tourist exchanges that would be mutually beneficial but in the current COVID situation, the health advice should be given high importance and work being conscious of this fact. Tourism and the broader economic engagement have to operate within this new framework. Members can look into developing the Shivite trail which will enhance more tourists to come to Sri Lanka. The first ever international flight into the new International Airport at Kushinagarwas from Sri Lanka and such a step served as a mark of acknowledgement of the close Buddhist heritage shared by the two countries and the Society could work on various Buddhist trails in India for the benefit of Sri Lankans travelling on pilgrimage.

SLIS has more than 800 life members, consisting of both Sri Lankan and Indian Nationals. The Society has been working closely with the Office of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.

The presidents of the society in the recent past include Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa, Deshamanya Ken Balendra, Chandra schafter, Dr Uvais Ahamed, Col. Harindran, Manik Pereira, Kandaiah Neelakandan, Kumar Nadesan, T.S. Prakash, and Rohan Tudawe.

The office bearers of the society for the year 2021/22 are President Kishore Reddy, Vice presidents Renganathan, Dr. A. Kandasamy, Deshabandu Jaykumar, Secretary Kailasapillai, Asst Secretary Chaturi Ranasinghe, Treasurer Saravanan Neelakandan, Asst Treasurer S. Shameer, and Editor Sumit Law. In addition another 14 Sri Lankan and 10 Indian members serve in the executive committee.