World leaders reaffirm support as Sri Lanka marks 78th Independence Day

Colombo, Feb. 4 (Daily Mirror) - As Sri Lanka celebrated its 78th Independence Day today under the theme "Building Sri Lanka," world leaders from across the globe extended their warm wishes, reaffirming bilateral ties and pledging continued support for the island nation’s economic recovery and development. 

The messages, addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the people of Sri Lanka, highlighted themes of resilience, regional stability, and shared cultural heritage.

Leading the messages from the Commonwealth, King Charles III of the United Kingdom sent a special note of felicitation, emphasizing the "deep historical ties" and "enduring partnership" between the two nations. In a poignant gesture, His Majesty expressed deep sympathy for the lives lost and property destroyed during the recent Cyclone Ditwah, describing the disaster as a "stark reminder of the profound impact of climate change." The King commended the courage of Sri Lankan emergency services and looked forward to renewing shared commitments at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2026.

From the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on behalf of the government, congratulated Sri Lanka, underscoring a relationship grounded in "mutual respect and a commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific." Secretary Rubio highlighted the strengthening of partnerships under the current administration, specifically pointing to the U.S. provision of life-saving assistance and expertise following the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah. He pledged that the U.S. would continue to cooperate on advancing economic ties and promoting regional stability in the year ahead.

India marked the occasion with a unique cultural gesture reinforcing its status as a "trusted and dependable partner." High Commissioner Santosh Jha conveyed greetings and announced the commencement of a special exposition of the sacred "Devnimori Relics" of Lord Buddha at the Gangaramaya Temple. The exposition, a result of discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Dissanayake, marks the first time these relics have traveled outside India, symbolizing the unbreakable spiritual and historical bond between the neighbors.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President Dissanayake, describing China and Sri Lanka as "fellow travelers on the path of development." Recalling President Dissanayake’s successful state visit to China in January, President Xi expressed his readiness to deepen the "strategic cooperative partnership" and build a community with a shared future. 

Premier Li Qiang also extended his wishes to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasizing the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Regional support was further voiced by Pakistan, with President Asif Ali Zardari highlighting the "time-tested friendship" between the two nations. In his message, he praised the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and their rich cultural heritage. President Zardari also touched upon regional politics, expressing hope for a revival of the SAARC framework to strengthen South Asian cooperation and security.

Messages of solidarity also poured in from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain sent cables of congratulations, wishing the country continued progress. Meanwhile, the leadership of Vietnam, including President Luong Cuong, extended their best wishes, reinforcing the growing diplomatic warmth between the two Asian nations.