Consul General hails India as the mother of all democracies

The Consulate celebrated the 75th Republic Day of India with Consul General Raakesh Natraj and Major General Chandana Wikramasinghe, Security Forces Commander (Jaffna), paying respects at the IPKF Memorial in Palaly, Jaffna.

This was followed by the unfurling of the Indian flag, reading out of the Hon’ble President’s message at a function marking the occasion at the Consulate.

About 125 people, including the Consulate officials and their family members, Indian citizens, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and friends of India, among others, participated in the event.

The Consulate also organized a cultural program and reception marking the 75th Republic Day at the Valampuri Hotel, Jaffna.

At the Republic Day reception, the Consul General highlighted the unique features of the Indian Constitution and its continued relevance in today’s times.

Consul General hailed India as the mother of all democracies and noted the Indian Constitution’s vision and inclusion.

Governor Mrs PSM Charles, the Guest of Honor at the event, thanked India for continued support in the development of the Northern Province.

She also thanked the Indian government for assisting Srilankan refugees who fled during wartime while highlighting the close cultural linkages between both countries.

Commending the continued Indian assistance to the Northern Province, she said that the flight and ferry service added a new dimension.

A short video highlighting India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and India’s continued assistance to the people of Northern Province was also played at the reception, followed by a cultural performance featuring renditions of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara and Baje Ranjan Har Taraf Se in a medley of Indian languages by Jaffna’s very own Selvi Athithya Arunakirinathan.

The event was well attended, with more than 300 guests, including the Chairman of the Northern Provincial Council, Members of Parliaments, senior Government officials, political and religious leaders, along with Indian citizens and PIOs participating.