High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

Most Venerable Mahasangha

High Commissioner Colonné

Esteemed guests

Good evening, Namaskar

Namo Buddhaya!

It is heartening to be present at the Buddha Vihara today at this very special event. Lord Buddha and his Dhamma are one of the foundational bonds between our countries.

Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya. (“For the happiness of the many, for the welfare of the many")

 From the Rig Veda to the teachings of Lord Buddha, this sentiment has echoed across our lands for centuries. It is a principle that guides our relationship to this day.

As conveyed by our Prime Minister, India’s unfailing instinct to step forward when a friend is in need is driven by this shared civilisational value.

 When Sri Lanka faces any challenge - be it a public health crisis like the COVID pandemic, or a mishap at sea, or the economic crisis in 2022, India has always been the First Responder. Even as Cyclone Ditwah was making landfall, we were mobilising our relief and rescue efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

 Following this, our External Affairs Minister visited Sri Lanka in December 2025 as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister, carrying his message of solidarity and support. Building further on India’s support towards rescue and relief, we offered an assistance package worth USD 450 million for Sri Lanka to rebuild and recover.

India’s support, during Cyclone Ditwah and in its aftermath, is only natural. Our response is spontaneous and unconditional for it is driven by fraternal affection. The messages of gratitude for India’s help that I heard today are indeed very touching. However, I feel that gratitude is a sentiment exchanged between strangers. Between friends and close neighbours, there is only a deepening of mutual goodwill and trust.

This friendship has only deepened and broadened in recent times. India is Sri Lanka’s largest source of trade, tourism and investment. We are also Sri Lanka’s principal development partner, with our developmental portfolio having crossed USD 7.5 billion. We are working towards enhancing our physical, energy and digital linkages.

Through our connectedness, we can achieve shared prosperity. In this world of unprecedented churn, the India-Sri Lanka partnership must remain a model of neighbourly relations. We not only share our waters, we share our destinies. The only way we can grow sustainably is if we grow together. India is therefore not only the First Responder, but also a dependable partner and reliable friend for Sri Lanka.

Gatherings like these add to my confidence in our friendship, for it reflects the sentiments of the people of our countries. While we are paying respects to Lord Buddha here, following the announcement by our Prime Minister, the Holy Relics from Devnimori are on a week-long exposition in Sri Lanka. This is the first ever exposition being organised outside of India for these relics and demonstrates our unparalleled people-to-people connect – the unique strength of the India-Sri Lanka friendship.

This event has been arranged in the same spirit. On that note, let me thank the Mahabodhi Society for organising this heart warming event, and for having me here this evening.

Dhanyavad. Bohoma Stuti.

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