A bust of Sir D.B. Jayatilaka, the first representative of Sri Lanka to India, commissioned by the High Commission of Sri Lanka, in New Delhi, in a bid to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Sri Lanka sending her first Representative to India, in 1942, was ceremonially unveiled yesterday (07).

A few former High Commissioners of India to Sri Lanka, family members of two former Indian High Commissioners to Colombo and two Deputy High Commissioners of India, who had served in Sri Lanka, joined Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda, in unveiling the bust at a ceremony held at the High Commission premises yesterday.

Former High Commissioners of India to Sri Lanka, Ambassadors Gopal Krishna Gandhi, Alok Prasad, Ashok K. Kantha, Y.K. Sinha and Dr. Ritu Chhatwal, daughter of former High Commissioner S.J.S. Chhatwal, and Madurendra Nath Jha, son of former High Commissioner N.N. Jha, as well as Ambassador Mohan Kumar and Deputy National Security Advisor of India Ambassador Vikram Misri, who had served as Deputy High Commissioners at the High Commission of India in Colombo, were present.

Well-known Indian author, A.S. Bhasin, who had written a five-volume monumental book on India-Sri Lanka Relations, also attended this event. The unveiling of the bust of Sir D.B. Jayatilaka marked the latest of a series of activities organized by the High Commission to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Sri Lanka sending her first Representative to India. Earlier, in February, the High Commission named its Chancery building after Sir D.B. Jayatilaka, and in August, a portrait of Sir Baron was unveiled at the High Commission.

This bronze bust of Sir D.B. Jayatilaka symbolizes the important role that he played by laying the foundation for modern Indo-Lanka relations. The project was funded by the India-Sri Lanka Foundation.

Prominent Indian sculptor Gautam Pal of Kolkata sculptured this bronze bust. Pal was also present at the unveiling ceremony.