COLOMBO: On the joyous occasion of our 59th Independence Day, I convey warm greetings and sincere good wishes to all Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka. This year we also celebrate the 59th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka and I wish to take this opportunity to extend felicitations and best wishes to the Government and the friendly people of Sri Lanka.
Today, I convey my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and His Excellency M. U. M. Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for the close cooperation and resolute support extended to the Maldives and its people at all times.
Independence Day is a time to rejoice for the blessings of being a sovereign nation. A day to take pride in our rich traditions and culture; and revive the spirit of patriotism. Independence Day also gives us the opportunity to reflect and take stock of where we stand as a nation. I am very happy that despite the many challenges wrought by COVID19, we have made steadfast progress in nation building over the past five years; and, we appreciate the support and cooperation extended by our bilateral partners, including Sri Lanka, in ensuring robust socio-economic and infrastructure development across the country.
We have a special place in our hearts for Sri Lanka. Many of us call Sri Lanka home, and it is a favoured destination for thousands of Maldivians seeking education and medical services each year. The Maldives gives great importance to its longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka and looks forward to strengthening and deepening it.
Let me once again reiterate Independence Day greetings to all Maldivians living in Sri Lanka and abroad.
