Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said India, in recent years, has been growing at an exponential rate, and especially while celebrates 77th anniversary of independence, while functioning as a democracy. Speaking at the 77th Independence Anniversary celebrations organized by the India Sri Lanka Society in Colombo on Saturday (September 23), he mentioned the great achievements of India –Chairing G20, Landing on moon, largest population and market and the 5th largest economy in the world.
“India has become not only an Asian Giant, but also a Global Force. Your leaders, scientists, artistes, sports, agriculture and yoga to cinema have become international exceptions,” he said. “Freedom is not merely a word or an abstract theory. It is the most effective instrument for advancing welfare of man,” he said and recalled, “On August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru took the first step towards the realization of the dream of making India a prosperous nation on the day he hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort.”
He recalled that Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said on the 15th of August this year, that Independence Day is an occasion to reconnect with history and said it is also an occasion to assess our present and reflect about our way forward. Looking at the present, we see that India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage, but it has also enhanced its standing in the international order. India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world, he said.
“We in Sri Lanka see that India has not only regained its rightful place on the world stage, but it has also enhanced its standing in the international order. India is playing a crucial role in promoting developmental and humanitarian goals around the world,” Prime Minister Gunawardena said.
Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, and diplomats and officials attended the function of which keynote address was made by Director of SAARC Cultural Center Renuka Ekanayake.
Prime Ministe’s Media