High Commission of India, Colombo celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day in Colombo on 26 January 2025.

On the occasion, Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey unfurled India’s national flag at India House – residence of High Commissioner of India – and inspected the Guard of Honour. Acting High Commissioner also read out excerpts of President of India’s Republic Day address.

In his message, Dr. Pandey also said, “India and Sri Lanka not only are fellow democracies, sharing in our diversity and dynamism, we are civilisational partners, sharing our history, language, religion and ethos. Our stories have intertwined — and our futures are interlinked. Our geographical proximity makes us natural partners and the same proximity demands a mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests. It also requires each of us to support the other with an unmatched spontaneity, unencumbered by third party pulls and pressures.”

“As Sri Lankan economy turns the corner, we are committed to support a more sustainable path to economic recovery, development and prosperity in Sri Lanka. For this reason, a strategic shift from debt-driven growth to investment-led partnerships across different sectors is underlined as the need of the hour in the Joint Statement adopted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka during the latter’s visit to India in December 2024.”

“We are working with Sri Lanka to expedite implementation of physical, energy and digital connectivity projects. Discussions are underway on the multi-product pipeline between India and Sri Lanka in partnership with UAE, inter-grid connectivity, Sampur Solar Power Plant, LNG Supply. We are optimistic for an early launch of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project to empower Sri Lanka with a whole suite of Digital Public Infrastructure, proven to improve efficiency of service delivery while curbing corruption, he added.

The event also featured songs by the Sri Lanka Navy Band and a cultural program organized by the High Commission’s cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. India’s rich diversity was celebrated with dance and music performances. A rendition of patriotic songs, organized by ICA, brought children from the Indian community together under the theme Different States, One Spirit #India. This was followed by a captivating semi-classical dance performance by students of SVCC, on the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’. The ceremony was attended by several hundred members of the Indian community.

Earlier in the day, Acting High Commissioner and officials of the High commission of India also paid tributes to the fallen heroes of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) at the IPKF memorial.

A ceremonial reception will be organized in the evening at India House. Several dignitaries from all walks of life in Sri Lanka are expected to attend this event.

This Republic Day marks 75 years from the commencement of the Indian Constitution and is being celebrated under the theme स्वर्णिम भारत – “Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas”. The theme aptly captures the spirit of Young India’s resolve to modernise and develop while keeping the heritage and cultural ethos of India intact.

Consulates General of India in Hambantota and Jaffna and the Assistant High Commission in Kandy also observed the 76th Republic Day of India by organizing special events.

(Pics : Indian HC)

A collision involving three buses at Angulugaha Junction in Imaduwa, Galle, has left at least 29 passengers injured and hospitalized.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. today (26) and involved two private buses and one office transport bus.

Reports indicate that the accident occurred when one bus was stationary, and another crashed into it from behind, followed by a third bus crashing into the second one.

According to hospital sources, 23 passengers have been admitted to Imaduwa Hospital, while six others are receiving treatment at Karapitiya Hospital.

Authorities are conducting further investigations into the incident.

Claiming that Yoshitha Rajapaksa was not arrested just because he is former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today law is implemented if anyone had purchased lands or property illegally or in suspicious manner.

He told a special media briefing at the Government Information Department that there is no political witch-hunt behind the recent arrests as claimed by some people.

“If anyone had purchased lands or property illegally or in suspicious manner and CID investigations are conducted into such cases, then the law is imposed. Yoshitha was arrested not because he is Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son,” he said.

The Minister said investigations which had commenced are continuing and that the CID and police will make submissions to court and carry out arrests accordingly.

Responding to a question about the arrested suspects being granted bail, he said “They will get bail. But, the law suit will continue. It is the duty of the judiciary to implement the law. The government only facilitates it.”

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailmirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)