Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has applauded India’s continuous progress and said that it inspired Sri Lanka as well. Speaking at the dinner to commemorate India’s 77th Independence Day hosted by Sri Lanka India Society, the Prime Minister said, India has rightfully regained its place on the World’s stage and has enhanced its standing in the international order. The Sri Lankan prime minister praised India for the successful Chandrayaan mission and added that Sri Lanka salutes India for the achievement. He also recounted the outcomes of the visit of Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremasinghe when he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay highlighted the growth of the bilateral relationship over the last year while talking about the future where connectivity will play a key role. He said that the waters that divide the two countries actually bind them together. Mr. Baglay mentioned collaboration between India and Sri Lanka which will help Sri Lanka and her people. The event was attended by several Sri Lanka’s ministers, Governor of Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman, members of the Indian community in Sri Lanka, and friends of India.