Sri Lanka High Commission Dhaka celebrates 77th Independence Day
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka organised a Diplomatic Reception to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence on 09 February 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka, with the support of the Sri Lankan business community, the Sri Lanka—Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLBCCI), and the Sri Lanka Association in Bangladesh (SLAB).
His Excellency, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Honourable Adviser, Ministry of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest, graced the event. Over 300 guests, including Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other members of the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Mission of regional and international organisations/ agencies, senior officials from various Ministries and Agencies of the Government of Bangladesh, investors and businessmen, professionals from diverse disciplines and academia, members of the media, think tanks, civil society organisations, community leaders, Sri Lankan expatriates, and other well-wishers showed solidarity with Sri Lanka joining this celebration.
The event programme commenced with the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh being played.
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Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody recalled the longstanding and friendly bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which have been underpinned by high-level cooperation, shared cultural values, and strong people-to-people linkages since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The High Commissioner added that the two countries are keen to expand this bilateral relationship into a more dynamic political and business partnership.
The High Commissioner outlined the current level of Sri Lanka's economic growth and recovery and the renewed measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to prioritise business-friendly policies to increase business, trade, and investment in Sri Lanka. With the current economic progress, the government of Sri Lanka is now moving forward with a renewed vision to build a prosperous nation. The High Commissioner further mentioned that Sri Lanka is now fully open for businesses and foreign investments, and its economy remains resilient with high growth potential. Since Bangladesh is emerging as one of Sri Lanka's important trading partners, the High Commissioner also emphasised a vast potential for deepening economic engagement based on the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement and other critical trade-related agreements to be signed by both countries possibly this year.
The High Commissioner further mentioned that Sri Lankan business interest in Bangladesh continues to expand, and Sri Lankan companies have invested significantly in the finance and banking, textiles and apparel, power generation, retail markets, and logistics sectors. He highly appreciated the continuous support extended by all officials of the Government of Bangladesh towards the Sri Lankan community for their smooth business operations and employment in Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka is poised to become a leading maritime, logistics, and commercial hub in the Indian Ocean. The High Commissioner invited Bangladesh investments, including public-private partnerships, into promising investment opportunities emerging in the Colombo Port Development Project, the Colombo Port City Project, and the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka. While highlighting the people-to-people contacts that have helped build bridges of friendship, the High Commissioner mentioned that Sri Lanka wishes to welcome more Bangladeshi visitors, enjoy its hospitality, and discover the rich natural and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, His Excellency, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Honourable Adviser, Ministry of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh, commended on significant strides that Sri Lanka has made in socio-economic fields over the recent years. He also expressed satisfaction over the high-profile visit exchanges that consolidated the strong partnership, growing commercial ties, and people-to-people linkages between the two countries. He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to further deepening engagement with Sri Lanka in trade, investment, agriculture, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and maritime connectivity, which were identified as key potential areas of collaboration. Honourable Adviser also commended Sri Lanka's resilience in overcoming economic challenges and stressed the significance of regional cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC in fostering a stronger South Asia.
The event concluded with a raffle draw offering two return air tickets from Dhaka to the Colombo sector sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines.
Highlighting Sri Lanka's cultural diversity, the invitees at the Diplomatic Reception were presented with a glimpse into the various dance forms of Sri Lanka with vibrant performances by talented dancers representing the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Bangladesh. While the guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, tourism promotion videos highlighting various aspects of Sri Lanka and popular tourist sites were showcased and appreciated by the gathering.
