Sri Lanka Celebrates 78th Independence Day

On February 4, 2026, Sri Lanka celebrated its 78th Independence Day in New Delhi with sombre religious ceremonies, a ceremonial flag raising, and a packed National Day Reception that demonstrated the resurgence of India-Sri Lanka relations.

At the High Commissioner's residence, the day began with an alms-giving ritual for Maha Sangha members, calling for blessings for Sri Lanka's leaders and citizens as well as peace, prosperity, and a closer bond between India and Sri Lanka. The ceremonial flag-hoisting ceremony, which was witnessed by invited guests, religious dignitaries, and members of the Sri Lankan community, came next. Sri Lanka's pluralistic identity was symbolized by the National Anthem, which was performed in both Sinhala and Tamil.

The Chief Guest for the event was India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh. At the ceremony, statements were read by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and President Anura Kumara Disanayaka. High Commissioner Mahishini Colonne emphasized in her speech Sri Lanka's ability to bounce back from setbacks and the steady growth of relations between India and Sri Lanka in a number of areas. More than 700 distinguished guests, including senior officials from the Indian government, members of the diplomatic corps, business executives, academics, media representatives, and Sri Lankan friends, attended the National Day Reception held at the High Commissioner's residence later that evening.

The High Commissioner greeted the Chief Guest and other guests and discussed the long-standing civilizational nature of India-Sri Lanka relations. She cited recent high-level meetings between the two nations, such as President Anura Kumara Disanayaka's December 2024 visit to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 2025 visit to Sri Lanka, which established a solid basis for growing collaboration in a number of areas of current interest, such as people-to-people interaction.

The High Commissioner also reaffirmed India's position as a “trustworthy and dependable partner by praising its unwavering support during difficult times”, such as its prompt response to Cyclone Ditwah and the release of a USD 450 million reconstruction package. Speaking to the audience, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh reiterated India's steadfast support for Sri Lanka's security and prosperity in line with its MAHASAGAR vision and "Neighbourhood First" policy. He pointed out that greater political engagement, increased trade and investment, increased development collaboration, and rising mutual trust are all signs that bilateral relations are improving. The Minister emphasized India's ongoing collaboration in important areas like housing, transportation, renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, railroads, and digital transformation, while highlighting India's overall development aid of over USD 7.5 billion, which includes substantial grant support.

Strong people-to-people ties are crucial, the Minister added, pointing out that in 2025, India continued to be Sri Lanka's top tourist destination and that religious, cultural, and educational exchanges strengthen links between the two countries.

A carefully chosen array of Sri Lankan food prepared by visiting chefs from Hotel Cinnamon Grand Colombo was served to guests at the reception, which honored Sri Lanka's cultural diversity. In addition to reflecting Sri Lanka's national journey, the commemorative events in New Delhi demonstrated the resilience and forward-thinking energy of the historical and future-focused partnership between Sri Lanka and India.

CEAT, Lanka IOC PLC, Varun Beverages, Brandix, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Godrej Industries Group, Ashok Leyland, RITES Ltd., IRCON International Ltd., Damro, ITC Hotels, Dart Global Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd., STIC Travel Group of Companies, Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts, Cinnamon Life, Aitken Spence, Jetwing Travels, George Steuart Travels, Esna Holidays, and Royal Holidays were among the sponsors of the National Day reception.