Lanka-Egypt ties

Sri Lanka and Egypt will mark half a century of diplomatic ties between the two countries this year and several events have been lined up to celebrate the occasion in a fitting manner.

Although Egypt has often escaped public attention vis-a-vis Sri Lanka's international relations it is pertinent to note that ties between two countries go far back to the times of Sinhala Kings in the 13th century according to historical records.

Besides Egypt has always been a close friend of Sri Lanka in contemporary times and a keen Non-Aligned ally which has redounded to the benefit of Sri Lanka in terms of trade and economic cooperation over the years.

Egypt had always been grateful to and supportive of Sri Lanka since the Bandaranaike Government of 1956 stoutly defended it over the Suez Canal crisis in international fora.

This paved the way for the establishment of official diplomatic ties between Colombo and Cairo in 1957 which was subsequently upgraded to ambassadorial status in 1963. This was the beginning of a most fruitful and cordial relationship between the two countries that opened doors towards enhanced cultural and economic ties.

Several bilateral, trade agreements were entered into by both countries which eventually led to the setting up of a joint trade and economic Cooperation agreement in the 1987 that was mandated to address broader and specific trade issues.

We should look at ways to further cement the existing ties between the two countries by way of more interaction and exchanges of diplomacy.

Egypt with its rich culture and being one of the oldest civilisations should also be actively promoted as an attractive tourism destination among Sri Lankan travellers which could pave the way for a better understanding between our peoples.

Red letter day for Lankan cricket

Today marks a red letter day for the redeveloped Galle International Cricket stadium where Sri Lanka and England will re-christen it with a Test match for the first time after its devastation in the 2004 tsunami.

This will no doubt be a poignant moment not just for cricket fans but all Sri Lankans who will recall that dreadful cataclysmic event that killed over 40,000 people, wreaked havoc over vast swathes of coastal territory rendering tens of thousands homeless and dislocating the lives and livelihoods of many thousands.

The country is still trying to emerge from the catastrophe of that horrendous Boxing Day tragedy while the rebuilding and rehabilitation process is still underway with many foreign countries and organisations providing assistance to the Government as they did in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami.

The Sri Lankan landscape still bears the scars of the trail of destruction left in the wake of tidal waves with many survivors still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. There are also accounts of unmatched resilience where not just individuals but enterprises which were virtually obliterated from the landscape rising from the ashes or in this instance the rubble so to speak.

The Galle International Stadium no doubt would easily fit into this category. Virtually caught up in the "eye of the storm" of the tsunami's devastating fury in the Southern coastal belt this once magnificent structure and edifice was consigned to a heap of rubble and debris.

The sorry picture of its remnants shown on TV and published in the print media would have left no hopes whatever for its revival even as a public playground let alone an International Cricket Stadium.

It says much for the dedication and perseverance of the authorities responsible that the Stadium is almost back to its original shape and defying all odds a Test match is to be staged here today.

The story of the Galle Cricket stadium in a way reflects the tendency of Sri Lanka to bounce back from adversity as seen from its resilience in forging ahead despite a crippling war sapping the vitals of the country for over three decades.

It is also a tribute to the single minded resourcefulness of those behind the move to rebuild the stadium which was termed a "write off," within just two years of its devastation.

It is fitting that President Mahinda Rajapaksa who marshalled all forces at the time of the disaster when he was Prime Minister of the country should declare open the Stadium. It is hoped that the rebuilt Galle International Cricket stadium would stand as a sentinel to the iron will of our people to overcome and conquer adversity and rebuild and remould their lives anew.

Let this first encounter at the rebuilt Galle International Cricket stadium be marked by a special performance by star opening batsman Upul Tharanga who was one of the victims of the tsunami and who represents a typical tale of ashes to riches.