I consider it an honour and a privilege to issue a message on the auspicious occasion of the 56th Anniversary of Independence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) emerged from 450 years of colonial domination in 1948 and proudly celebrates her National Day on the 4th February.
The celebrations are austere and usually take the form of hoisting the National Flag at a predetermined auspicious time in the capital city by H.E. the President and simultaneously in the Provinces by the Governors and Chief Ministers.
The formal ceremonies are complete with gun salutes to the nation, guards of honour parades by the military and school children and most often a pageant parade of industrial, commercial and agricultural floats.
Sri Lanka being a multi ethnic, multi religious society religious observances are held in Buddhist temples, Hindu Kovils, Mosques and Churches to invoke blessings on the nation and its people.
In places of work and in houses traditional food such as milk rice (Kiri Bath) oil cake (Kavun) Kokis (Cookies) etc are served to mark the auspicious occasion.
This year as we herald Freedom Day, the nation as a whole looks forward to progress in the ongoing peace process.
Although the talks between the Government and the LTTE are stalled since April 2003, the memorandum of understanding on the cease-fire has been effective and peace has held for the past two years.
It is hoped that war will never return to the Island Nation, but that a solution to the ethnic problem, safeguarding the rights of all its people and the sovereignty of Sri Lanka would be arrived at.
In view of the massive reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war affected areas and the International donor community who are ready to assist, it is considered imperative by the authorities that the peace talks are resumed as early as possible.
Due to the absence of war Sri Lanka's economy which showed negative growth in 2001 has picked up with GDP in mid year showing 3 - 4% growth. Much of the resurgence of the economy could be attributed to tourism and foreign investment. The Government's strategic thrust termed "Regaining Sri Lanka" is committed to both a market economy and trade. Tourism has taken a leap forward and authorities envisage a record 600000 tourists for the year 2003. In the area of trade, the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is in the process of finalising in FTA with Pakistan, the framework agreement of which was signed in Colombo during the visit of President General Pervez Musharraf in August 2002.
The recently concluded SAARC Summit brings into focus a new dimension in intra regional relations between member countries specially in the field of trade. Sri Lanka welcomes the thawing of tensions between the two largest member states of SAARC which will have a direct bearing to regional peace and stability and hence inter regional trade.
It is hoped that businessmen in Sri Lanka and Pakistan will endeavour to increase the volume of bilateral trade as a consequence of the resulting environment of peace and amity in the nation.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have continued to maintain excellent relations throughout. There is a regular exchange of experts in various fields under the SAARC agenda as well as bilaterally.
The moral and material support provided by Pakistan to Sri Lanka during the entire conflict period of nearly 19 years will always be remembered by the people of Sri Lanka. Pakistan continues to offer placements in military schools of learning and the healthy interaction between the military personnel of our two nations holds them in good stead in the performance of their duties.
There are also a limited number of scholarships offered in Medical colleges and Universities in Pakistan. It is hoped that the number would be increased, as there is a great demand for placements from students seeking facilities in Pakistan.
Tourism is one of the major revenue earners for Sri Lanka. The Island is known for its natural beauty and is a veritable tourist paradise.
In order to welcome tourists to the Island, the Government observes an open sky and visa on entry policy. The well preserved archaeological sites depicting a rich cultural heritage that dates back to 2500 years, together with emerald green panorama of the mountain slopes of tea estates, wild life parks, exotic flora of the botanical gardens and miles and miles of sandy beaches provide a diversity to be enjoyed by visitors to the country. With all these facilities practically on their doorstep Pakistanis should make use of this idyllic tourist destination. Sri Lankan Airlines Colombo and Karachi on three days a week and PIA too have recommended flights to Colombo thus providing greater access.
In conclusion, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka I wish to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to the Government and the friendly people of Pakistan in the hope that the existing cordial relations will grow from strength to strength.
SRI LANKA PAKISTAN DOSTI ZINDABAD!