The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka organized a Diplomatic Reception to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 09th February 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka with the support of the Sri Lankan business community, Sri Lanka – Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SLBCCI) and the Sri Lanka Association in Bangladesh (SLAB).
His Excellency, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Honorable Adviser, Ministry of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest, graced the event. Over 300 guests including Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other members of the Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Mission of regional and international organizations/ agencies, senior officials from various Ministries and Agencies of the Government of Bangladesh, investors and businessmen, professionals from diverse disciplines and academia, members of the media, think tanks, civil society organizations, community leaders, Sri Lankan expatriates, and other well-wishers showed solidarity with Sri Lanka joining this celebration.
The programme of the event commenced with the playing of the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody recalled the longstanding and friendly bilateral relations underpinned by high-level cooperation, shared cultural values, and strong people-to-people linkages that exist between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh since the establishment of diplomatic relations. At present, the two countries are keen to expand this bilateral relationship, into a more dynamic political and business partnership, the High Commissioner, added.
The High Commissioner outlined the current level of Sri Lanka’s economic growth and recovery and the renewed measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to priorities business-friendly policies to increase business, trade, and investment in Sri Lanka. With the current economic progress, the government of Sri Lanka is now moving forward with a renewed vision, to build a prosperous nation. Sri Lanka is now fully open for businesses and foreign investments, and its economy remains resilient with high growth potential, the High Commissioner further mentioned. Since Bangladesh is emerging as one of Sri Lanka’s important trading partners, the High Commissioner also emphasized that there is a huge potential for deepening economic engagement, based on the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement and other important trade-related agreements to be signed by both countries possibly this year.
The High Commissioner further mentioned that Sri Lankan business interest in Bangladesh is also continuing to expand and Sri Lanka companies have invested significantly in the finance and banking, textiles and apparel, power generation, retail markets, and logistics sectors. He highly appreciated the continuous support extended by all officials of the Government of Bangladesh towards the Sri Lankan community, for their smooth business operations and employment in Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka is poised to become a leading maritime, logistics, and commercial hub in the Indian Ocean. The High Commissioner invited Bangladesh investments including public-private partnerships into promising investment opportunities, that are emerging in the Colombo Port Development Project, Colombo Port City Project, and the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka. While highlighting the People-to-people contacts has greatly helped to build bridges of friendship, the High Commissioner mentioned that Sri Lank wishes to welcome more Bangladeshi visitors to the country, enjoy its hospitality, and discover the rich natural and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, His Excellency, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Honorable Adviser, Ministry of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh commended on significant strides that Sri Lanka has made in socio-economic fields over the recent years. He also expressed satisfaction over the high-profile visit exchanges that consolidated the strong partnership and the growing commercial ties as well as people-to-people linkages between the two countries. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to further deepening engagement with Sri Lanka in the trade, investment, agriculture, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and maritime connectivity that were identified as key potential areas of collaboration. Honorable Adviser also commended Sri Lanka’s resilience in overcoming economic challenges and stressed the significance of regional cooperation through SAARC and BIMSTEC in fostering a stronger South Asia.
The event concluded with a raffle draw offering two return air tickets from Dhaka to Colombo sector sponsored by SriLankan Airlines.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, the invitees at the Diplomatic Reception were presented with a glimpse into the various dance forms of Sri Lanka with vibrant performances by talented dancers representing the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Bangladesh. While the guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, tourism promotion videos highlighting various aspects of Sri Lanka and popular tourist sites were showcased and were well appreciated by the gathering.
