India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations in Colombo

The High Commission of India, Colombo, celebrated India’s 75th Republic Day in Colombo.

It may be recalled that on Jan. 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution — the world’s largest written Constitution — entered into force. The Preamble to the Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.

On the occasion, High Commissioner Santosh Jha unfurled India’s national flag at India House — the residence of the High Commissioner of India – and inspected the Guard of Honour.

The High Commissioner also read excerpts of the President of India’s Republic Day address.

The event featured songs by the Sri Lanka Navy band and a cultural program organized by High Commission’s cultural arm, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center.

India’s rich diversity was showcased at the cultural event with performances of several folk dances.

These included Garba of Gujarat, India’s most recent inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity.

Several hundred members of the Indian community attended the ceremony.

Earlier in the day, the High Commissioner also paid tributes to the fallen heroes of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) at the IPKF memorial.

A ceremonial reception would be organized in the evening at India House. Several dignitaries from all walks of life in Sri Lanka are expected to attend this event.

This Republic Day marks over six months since the India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership Vision was adopted by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the latter’s visit to India in July 2023.

Both sides continue to work towards enhancing connectivity in all its dimensions, identified as the critical enabler for shared and sustainable economic prosperity.

The Consulates General of India in Hambantota and Jaffna and the Assistant High Commission in Kandy also observed India’s 75th Republic Day by organizing special events.