O land of diversity, our greetings to you on your 76th Independence Day!
Our country, known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, is the neighbor of Mother India. According to scientists, thousands of years ago, our country was connected to the Deccan Plateau of the Indian Peninsula. Later, it gradually separated into an island, and there is only 32 kilometers between our country and India.
The relations between our two countries go back centuries.
The greatest philosopher who ever appeared in the world was born in India, which is also a holy land. He was Gautama Buddha. It is said that he also visited Sri Lanka three times in the 6th century BC.
Similarly, the arrival of the Aryans from India, which changed the history of Sri Lanka to a different dimension, also took place in the 6th century BC. King Vijaya, who arrived in this way, was crowned as the first king in the dynasty of Sri Lanka. They also established colonies in the river valleys of this country.
Similarly, the noble Buddhist philosophy was gifted to our country, a Buddhist country, by the great ruler born in India, Emperor Dharmasoka, and his son Mahinda, who was ordained.
It was India that laid the foundation for the fields of art, architecture, literature, music, etc. in this country. It was to the good fortune of this country that the venerable Sanghamitta Thera arrived in this country with a sapling of the oldest tree in the world, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and brought experts from various arts and crafts.
It was India that supported us in the difficult times we found ourselves in, not only religiously but also politically.
Similarly, according to the traveler Hiunsen and the source Divya Vadaana, the political leadership of Sri Lanka began with the arrival of trade groups from India.
Chronicles state that Sri Lankan kings such as King Ilanaga and King Mughal I sought the help of Indian troops to fight against various invasions they faced during the Anuradhapura period.
Similarly, Sri Lankan kings have also used Indian administrators to carry out their administrative tasks successfully.
Moreover, Sri Lankan kings have also provided assistance to Indian kings in difficult times. It is said that Sri Lankan King Sena II went to India to provide military assistance to King Varagunavarman II of India.
Thus, treaties were even signed between the two countries to further strengthen overseas and domestic relations.
The Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed in 1977 promoted cultural relations between the two countries, the Indo-Lanka Agreement signed in 1987 promoted peace, and the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement signed in 1998 facilitated duty-free exchange of products between the two countries.
Moreover, India has always been there to support us in times of natural disasters such as tsunamis, floods, landslides, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic crises.
India, which operates according to the noble concept of “Neighbor First”, provided us with huge assistance in the form of loans, food, medicines, etc. in such difficult times. It was a source of strength for us.
Since we are both sacred lands, the rivers of blood, sweat, and tears we shed to free ourselves from the Western aggressions that were inflicted on both countries are immeasurable.
But our blessed lands freed themselves from those shackles and gave us the comfort of freedom.
The national emblem of India, which became an independent state on August 15, 1947, contains the image of the three lion heads, the Dharma Chakra and the heads of the stone pillars created by Emperor Dharmasoka.
Therefore, Mother India should receive three refuges forever.
Similarly, the current captain of the ship called India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is also fulfilling a great task. The mission of the previous Dharmapala to protect Buddhist shrines in India is currently being fulfilled by Modi. He is also taking immediate steps to provide the necessary assistance to our country.
So, my neighbor, as your friend, I appeal to you!
May Mother Bharata win for a long time!
May the flag flutter in the sky with the wind of freedom!
May the people of India rejoice!