India - Lanka ties based on shared heritage, interests - envoy

Indian High Commissioner Ashok K Kantha said India - Sri Lanka relationship is based on shared heritage and shared interests. He said last year witnessed dynamic developments in strong, friendly and time-tested relations between both countries.

Kantha referring to the recent eight meeting of the Joint Commission co-chaired by the External Affairs Ministers of Sri Lanka and India, said it took stock of the entire gamut of our relationship and agreed on many new initiatives.

The envoy was speaking at the 64th Republic Day of India celebrations at India House, Colombo on Saturday. Kantha underlined the strong commitment on both sides to take the relationship, renew and enlarge it continuously.

He referred to high-level exchanges of visits including President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to India in September 2012, two high-level Parliamentary delegations led by the Speaker of Lok Sabha and opposition leader, Lok Sabha and the visits of the External Affairs Ministers.

The High Commissioner called for people-to-people links constituting the bedrock of the relationship and referred to the successful exposition of the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka.

He underlined the growing economic ties between the two countries and said India was the leading source country in terms of foreign tourist arrivals and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka. He referred to the decision to double bilateral trade to US$ 10 billion by 2015 and to move towards an enhanced framework for a special economic partnership.

Kantha mentioned about several new initiatives and projects in the pipeline including the Sampur Power Plant, new manufacturing zones and exploration of feasibility of physical connectivity across Palk Strait.

He said India was committed to being a partner of Sri Lanka in meeting its aspirations of peace, harmony and development.

High Commissioner Kantha unfurled the National Flag and inspected a Guard of Honour presented by the BSF contingent. He read out significant excerpts from the address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.

A brief cultural programme organised by the Indian Cultural Centre was also held.

Consulates General of India in Jaffna and Hambantota and the Assistant High Commission of India in Kandy also celebrated the 64th Republic Day by organising flag hoisting ceremony on Saturday.