On the occasion of 75 years of diplomatic relations and friendship between Sri Lanka and the United States, the relations between the two countries were strengthened through the ceremony organized by the ambassador of Sri Lanka in Washington DC, Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe, on the afternoon of September 27, under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Mr. Ali Sabri. .Sri Lanka Latest News
It is also special that Ambassador Mahinda did not get a single rupee from the Sri Lankan government for the Washington event. 400 people including the White House, State Department, US Treasury, Defense, Commerce Department, US Aid, World Bank, IMF and other institutions of the US government and other institutions, as well as Senate and Congress members, as well as ambassadors and Sri Lankans, joined this event.
The event started with the singing of Sri Lankan and American national anthems. Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe gave the welcome speech: “The friendship between the two countries is historic. Mbilkat, an American, came to Sri Lanka and opened a school. Created the Buddhist flag. Our Mr. Kumaraswamy and others invited Sri Lankan art and Buddhist temples to America. Within 48 hours after Sri Lanka was hit by the tsunami, three former American presidents came to Sri Lanka and helped. American children donated their lunch money to the school education of Sri Lankan children. The friendship between our two countries is eternal,” said Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe.
Then Mr. Clinton White spoke on behalf of US Aid and said that US Aid will continue to provide maximum support to Sri Lanka since 1956. South and Central Asian Assistant Secretary Donald Lu stated that it is essential to build the background for the youth of the two countries to travel together.
Senator Chris Van Holland: “Two weeks ago, I attended the Kandy Perahera together with President Mr. Ranil. Talking to the American Chamber of Commerce, working arrangements are being made to help and bring investments to Sri Lanka. Thanapaki appreciates Mahinda’s commitment. The relationship between the two countries will continue for thousands of years.” He said.
Speaking, Foreign Minister Ali Sabri said, “America has always been the closest country to Sri Lanka and appreciates the support it has shown to the economy and other fields, and it is certain that this friendship and support will continue to grow.” The appointment of Ambassador Mahinda to this position strengthened the relations between the two countries. Our Videmba service was also strengthened,” he emphasized.
The guests were entertained with traditional Sri Lankan Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim food and drinks, and the evening was colourful with music, dance and drumming of all cultures, and all the guests were delighted. Jayanatha Warakagoda Achila Perera Chaturi, Serendib Dance Group and Anjalika did the presentations. A colourful commemorative book with 54 pages and a parcel of tea from Sri Lanka was also distributed to all the guests.