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)