By Mewati Sitaram
The High Commission of India, Colombo celebrated India’s 75th Republic Day in Colombo on 26 January 2024. It may be recalled that it was on 26 January 1950 that the Indian Constitution-the world’s largest written Constitution-entered into force. The Preamble to the Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
On the occasion, High Commissioner Santosh Jha unfurled India’s national flag at India House – residence of High Commissioner of India – and inspected the Guard of Honour. The High Commissioner also read excerpts of the President of India’s Republic Day address.
The event featured songs by the Sri Lanka Navy band and a cultural programme organized by High Commission’s cultural arm, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center. India’s rich diversity was showcased at the cultural event with performances of several folk dances. These included Garba of Gujarat which is India’s most recent inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity. Members of the Indian community attended the ceremony in several hundreds.
Earlier in the day, the High Commissioner also paid tribute to the fallen heroes of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) at the IPKF memorial.
A ceremonial reception would 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 over six months to the adoption of the India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Vision by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the latter’s visit to India in July 2023. Both sides continue to work towards enhancing connectivity in all its dimensions, identified as the key enabler for shared and sustainable economic prosperity.
Consulates General of India in Hambantota and Jaffna and the Assistant High Commission in Kandy also observed the 75th Republic Day of India by organizing special events.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
