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75 years of SL – US Diplomatic Relations, commemorated in Washington D.C.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. on 27 September 2023 held a reception including a series of cultural performances to celebrate the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United States of America.
The event was held under the patronage of Chief Guest, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka M.U.M. Ali Sabry. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe, the host on the occasion, welcomed the guests – special invitees from the U.S. government including the White House, Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Commerce, the IMF/World Bank, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Sri Lankan community, represented by several associations from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, among other guests.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Samarasinghe stated that the relationship between the U.S.A. and (then) Ceylon preceded the attainment of Independence in 1948. He traced significant developments in the friendship up to the present day. Looking forward to the future, he expressed the hope that the relationship would grow stronger in the years to come.
Counselor of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Clinton D. White traced the history of development cooperation between Sri Lanka and USAID with the assistance to the country dating back to 1956. The Counselor, who represented USAID Administrator Samantha Power, outlined the manifold sectors in which USAID is active in Sri Lanka and also looked to enhancing cooperation to enable the country to address and overcome the current economic challenges.
On behalf of the U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Donald Lu stated that the young people of both societies would help to grow the bilateral relationship by ensuring enhanced understanding and goodwill in the future.
Guest of Honour, United States Senator for Maryland and Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chris Van Hollen reflected on his personal ties to Sri Lanka and expressed appreciation for the contributions of Sri Lankan Americans to the United States. He recalled his recent visit to the island and hoped that the multi-dimensional relations would continue to flourish.
The keynote speech was delivered by the Chief Guest, Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry who expressed appreciation for the support extended to Sri Lanka by many agencies of the U.S. government. The minister noted that year 2023 was also the 75th anniversary of independence from colonial rule. He outlined national priorities ranging from economic recovery to reconciliation and the positive contribution made by the United States in many of these spheres over time. He concluded by proposing a toast to the further enhancement of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.
The guests and invitees were treated to a range of performances that exemplify the vibrant cultural diversity of Sri Lanka. It was led by a Sri Lankan artiste of renown Jananath Warakagoda and his team, Natamu School of Traditional Sri Lankan Dance led by Chathuri Wickramaarachchi, Serendib Dance led by Asanga Domask, and dancer Achila Perera, whose performances captivated the audience.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. is grateful to the generous support extended by the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL), principal among several other sponsors, who supported the event as well as the publication of a commemorative souvenir to mark the 75th anniversary. The generosity and contribution from all, including from many Sri Lankan Americans, enabled the embassy to organize and conduct these events without cost to the government.
The year 2023, during which many events were held to celebrate the special friendship, has been a productive one for the development of bilateral ties.
(Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington D.C.)
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Marine Drive tree planting project held (Pics)
In line with World Environment Day, a tree planting and conservation project was launched this morning (5) along the coastal stretch of Colombo’s Marine Drive, from the Kollupitiya Railway Station towards Wellawatte. The initiative is being implemented by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat Office.
Marking the commencement of the project, 1,600 Takkada (Scaevola taccada) saplings were planted today, with plans to expand the number to 6,000 in the near future. The project is being carried out with participation from state institutions, private organisations and the general public.
The Takkada plant, which includes two species highly resistant to saline environments, is listed as a threatened species on the Red Data List. The Scaevola taccada species planted today typically grows as a shrub reaching heights of 5 to 6 feet. Its dense green foliage and compact height make it ideal for urban settings, enhancing cityscapes with both environmental and aesthetic value.
This initiative is being carried out with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Police (Environmental and Traffic Divisions), Sri Lanka Railways, Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council. It is sponsored by LB Finance PLC and Hemsandu Marketing Company.
The event was attended by Colombo Municipal Councillor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) G.M.R.D. Appuhamy, along with representatives from the sponsoring organisations and other distinguished guests.
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China donates 05 dragon boats to Sri Lanka (Pics)
The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has donated five 12-person international-standard dragon boats to the Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The donation was formally made on May 31 at the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Championship.
The championship was held at the Diyawanna Oya Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL) Rowing Center. Participants included school teams, university crews, clubs, members of the tri-forces, as well as Chinese teams. It was notable that the event also featured 05 teams from Jaffna.
The regatta was hosted by Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Sri Lanka, and co-organized by National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka, CICT (Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd.), Sri Lanka Overseas Chinese Association and Chinese Chamber Of Commerce In Sri Lanka.
Expressing gratitude for the donation, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports – S.K. Gamage said, “This is not merely a sports event, it is a powerful symbol of friendship, culture, and cooperation between our two nations.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said the championship was “a new starting point to further deepen sports and cultural exchanges between China and Sri Lanka and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples.”
Rear Admiral HNS Perera, President of the National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka, described the event as a bridge between tradition and modernity.
Sri Lanka Navy and Visakha Vidyalaya powered their way to victory by clinching the top honours in the Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. Visakha Vidyalaya also grabbed the top spot in the Junior Girls’ final.
The Junior Boys’ final saw Thambaddy GTMV from Jaffna winning the gold medal, ahead of J/Delft M.V and D.S. Senanayake College Colombo.
In the Masters Women’s race, Ceylong team took top spot, while Wave Breakers and Pink Dragon followed closely.
The University of Sabaragamuwa won the Mixed Category final, pushing Chinese Team 03 and Chinese Team 01 to second and third places.
(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)
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SL Parliamentary delegation’s orientation programme in India, ends (Pics)
A Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih visited India from 25-31 May 2025. The delegation comprised 20 Members of Parliament (MP) representing various political parties and 4 officials of the Sri Lankan Parliament, including the Secretary General.
The delegation was the inaugural batch to undergo Orientation Programme at India’s Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) in New Delhi. This is pursuant to the announcement made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, offering 700 customised training slots annually for Sri Lankan professionals.
The visiting delegation called on the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. Underscoring the historical friendship between India and Sri Lanka, the Speaker thanked the Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation for expressing its solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also received the delegation and reiterated India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s development and progress under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih and other distinguished delegates from Sri Lanka thanked the Government of India for the unconditional assistance rendered to Sri Lanka over decades. They also sought deeper and closer collaboration with India in several spheres, including Parliamentary exchanges, trade, technology and tourism.
Under the Orientation Programme, the delegation had interactive sessions on legislative and budgetary processes, system of Parliamentary Committees and other related matters between the two democracies. Several senior MPs, Parliamentary officials, Media persons shared insights on the Indian Polity with the Sri Lankan delegation. While in India, participants also had the opportunity to experience the transformation underway in the Indian economy, particularly on the Digital Public Infrastructure & urban mobility through visits to Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Delhi Metro Railway Corporation and DLF IT Park. The delegation also had first-hand experience of the ongoing R&D projects in the realm of energy sector at IIT Delhi.
As part of the cultural immersion, the delegation visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Taj Mahal, Agra and also enjoyed the Sound & Light Show on History of India at Red Fort, New Delhi.
It may be recalled that re-establishment of India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Sri Lankan Parliament in early May 2025 witnessed the participation of scores of MPs across party lines. The visit as well as the strong turnout at the above events are symbolic of the democratic values and traditions that bind the people of the two countries.
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