In the Name of God, The Compassionate, The Merciful
I am delighted to release message accordance to the occasion of commemorating the 76th Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. On behalf of myself, the esteemed government, and the people of Iran, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the government and the cultured people of Sri Lanka.
Iran and Sri Lanka officially established diplomatic relations over six decades ago. However, the history of their ties dates back 2500 years to the Achaemenid Kingdom and the Anuradhapura kingdom. Throughout this period, their relationship has consistently been characterized by warmth and mutual respect, and both countries have experienced sustained growth and development in their collaboration. The level of cooperation between Iran and Sri Lanka over these years, particularly, during the challenging periods of Civil Wars in Sri Lanka, has steadily progressed.
in the shadow of this cordial ties, the Uma Oya multi-purpose Hydropower Complex, constructed by skilled Iranian experts and engineers, will be inaugurated in the coming weeks, symbolizing the friendship between Iran and Sri Lanka. This Multipurpose Development Project comprises two dams on Uma Oya and Mahatotilla Oya rivers and an underground power plant complex, each with a capacity of 60 megawatts, totaling 120 megawatts, as well as with a nearly 30 km long tunnel in the UVA province. With the commissioning of these two power plant units, 290 gigawatt-hours of electricity will be annually generated, contributing to the national grid of Sri Lanka. Viewing this development as an auspicious sign, I am optimistic that as electricity flows into the homes of the dear people of Sri Lanka, each moment will serve as a blessed reminder that the Iranian people, as eternal friends, stand beside the noble people of Sri Lanka. This significant development, coupled with the plan to transfer 140 million cubic meters of water from the upstream catchment area of Sri Lanka to the downstream region, which enhance agriculture on 5,000 hectares of downstream lands and provide drinking water for the residents of the region.
The impressive technological advancements of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the significant development in scientific and industrial activities by Iranian knowledge-based companies created an opportunity to foster stronger Iran-Sri Lanka relations. This enables Iranian hardware and software industries to establish a robust presence in Sri Lanka. I declare that my country is fully prepared to enhance relations in the areas of technology and industries between the two countries.
The geographical features of Iran and Sri Lanka are distinct and unique, both being recognized as tourist destinations. Over the recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of Iranian tourists visiting Sri Lanka, and the gracious people of Sri Lanka have warmly embraced these visitors. It is anticipated that there will be an increase in Sri Lankan tourists traveling to Iran, fostering cultural exchanges and further strengthening the ties between the two nations.
I would like to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to welcome Sri Lankan students interested in studying at Iranian universities in accordance with the academic cooperation agreement. The high academic standards of Iranian universities, with over 12 of them ranked among the top 1000 universities globally, coupled with the cost-effectiveness of studying in Iran, provide an excellent platform for Sri Lankan students to pursue their education in Iran.
I would like to highlight that, as part of the enduring positive and amicable relations between Iran and Sri Lanka, His Excellency, Ayatollah Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon visit Sri Lanka at the official invitation of His Excellency, Ranil Wickremasingh, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Additionally, the next round of the session of the joint economic commission between the two countries is scheduled. These developments underscore the mutual commitment of both countries’ authorities to foster relations between Tehran and Colombo
Concluding my remarks, I extend congratulations to the government and the honorable people of the friendly country of Sri Lanka on the 76th Independence Day. I hope that the coming years will be a brilliant period in the development of relations between the two countries and the two nations of Iran and Sri Lanka.
