High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 17th SAARC Summit, at Adu Atoll in Maldives on November 10, 2011.

The issues which call for our attention, particularly in the areas of social justice and climate change, require not further discussion but immediate action, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his address to the 17th SAARC Summit, held in Addu City of the Maldives.

“What is evident around us is a mood of urgency and even impatience. This is especially so, because a large and influential part of our societies consists of young people, inspired by new ideas and looking forward with enthusiasm to a promising future for themselves. They cannot be kept waiting for long. Patience is not infinite”, he added.

He further said, whether in regard to food and energy security, the preservation of the environment or protection of our societies against the consequences of terrorism, the challenges we face within SAARC are certainly formidable. However, we are sustained by a reservoir of insights and experience that equip us for this task.

“The theme of our deliberations here in Addu City, ‘Bridge Building’, highlights the reality that rapidly improving connectivity in our region makes it possible for us to reach out to higher levels of achievement for the benefit of our nations”, the President added.

Full text of President's Speech

Anjalendran with his Golden Award for Global Contribution in Architecture. From left to right: Suneet Paul (Chief Editor Architecture + Design); Chief Guest Prasad Kariyawasam ( High Commisioner of Sri Lanka in India); Anjalendran C; guest of honour Javier Salido (Consellor, Embassy of Spain, New Delhi); Inder Jit Arora ( Managing Director, Spectrum Paints Ltd)

Sri Lankan architect C. Anjalendran was awarded the Golden Award for Global Contribution in Architecture at the Architecture+Design & Spectrum Foundation Architecture Awards 2011 in New Delhi on 17 October. The Chief Guest at the Ceremony was High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam. Speaking at the Ceremony, the High Commissioner referred to the great architectural traditions of the past, with special reference to Sri Lanka’s history, namely, the monumental designs of the engineers and architects of the 1st millennium and the structures based on Vastu Vidya, the local architectural science prevalent at the time.

Victory of good over evil, the shedding of light over darkness and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance are the eternal quest of humankind.

Deepavali, known as the festival of Light is the expression of the spiritual richness of people as it marks the progress made in the constant struggle for a better life with all the above achievements, in keeping with the great spiritual values of Hindus.

The Hindus of Sri Lanka join their fellow believers the world over in celebrating this great festival.  In Sri Lanka today Deepavali and its light of hope provide the opportunity for greater understanding among communities, increased harmony among peoples and the shedding of differences that have kept people apart for a long period.

The glow of Deepavali will spread a message of joy among people who cherish the values of Hinduism and will spread the spirit of sharing in festivity in the comfort and tranquility of peace.

May the abiding light of goodwill and the message of peace of Deepavali lead our people to the joy of a memorable festival of enlightened harmony.

I wish all Hindu devotees happy and peaceful Deepavali.

Mahinda Rajapaksa
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka