Message by Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Malaysian National Day

YAB Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob
Prime Minister of Malaysia

YB Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah 
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia

Ayubowan and Salam Sejahtera to my Sri Lankan friends and fellow Malaysians.  This year’s 65^th Anniversary of Malaysia’s Merdeka Day (Independence Day) celebrations have an added meaning namely, Sri Lanka and Malaysia also celebrate 65 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

This year’s Merdeka Day celebrations will be extra special because finally Malaysians will be able to celebrate the National Day in pre-covid-19 style.  Yes, the National Day parade will definitely be making a comeback.  The theme for this year’s National Day celebration is “Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama” meaning the Malaysian Family will be Stronger Together.  The covid-19 pandemic in the past two years showed us that multi-ethnic Malaysians came together and became stronger in overcoming the unprecedented health emergency that affected the entire world.  Today with covid-19 pandemic mostly behind us, Malaysia continues to forge ahead with a fully recovered economy.

Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Malaysia were established in 1957 the year of our independence.  Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to establish a resident Diplomatic Mission in Malaysia.  Over the years, relations between the two countries have grown exponentially covering a multitude of areas of mutual benefit.  During the past 65 years, high level visits between the countries have contributed to the further strengthening of relations.  The depth of relations between the two countries is amply demonstrated by the conclusion of a number of Bilateral Agreements and MOUs on a broad range of subjects.  Both countries also enjoyed robust trade over the years.  The covid-19 pandemic temporarily reduced bilateral trade in 2020.  However, a year later in 2021, trade between Sri Lanka and Malaysia recorded an 18% increase to slightly over USD 800 million.  Malaysia values Sri Lanka as an important trade partner in South Asia.  Malaysia is also proud to continue to play an important role in investing in Sri Lanka especially in the telecommunications sector.  Malaysia stands ready to assist Sri Lanka in diversifying its economy focusing on export.

This close bilateral cooperation which started in the 19^th century during the colonial period saw an increasing number of Sri Lankans living and working in Peninsular Malaysia.  Over the years these Sri Lankans have contributed immensely in the development of Malaysia.  The people to people bond is stronger then ever especially during these challenging times.  Malaysia’s relationship with Sri Lanka is founded on deep people to people ties.  This was clearly evident this year when Malaysians from all walks of life rallied to support Sri Lanka in its time of need.  More than 6000 kg of medicine consignments have been donated by Malaysians to Sri Lanka this year in addition to foodstuff and other necessities.  Malaysia is confident that Sri Lanka will be able to bounce back from this unprecedented economic crisis that has temporarily affected Sri Lanka.  Looking forward, I am confident that the bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Malaysia will continue to expand and strengthen for years to come bringing prosperity and advancement to the people of both our countries.

Thank you.
Happy Merdeka Day
His Excellency Dato’ Tan Yang Thai
High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka