India committed to strengthen cooperation with all countries - Indian President

By Nilma Dole

Many Indians in Sri Lanka gathered at India House yesterday to take part in the Indian Republic Day celebrations.

The Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad read the National Day speech of President of India Smt. Pratibha Devishingh Patil on the eve of the Republic Day.

"Today our nation celebrates its 59th Republic Day. On this occasion, I have great pleasure in extending my warm greetings and good wishes to my fellow citizens living in the country and overseas. I convey my greetings to the members of our Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces, who guard our frontiers on land, sea and air and also provide invaluable assistance during natural calamities.

I also extend my greetings to the Central State level Police including the internal security forces," . In relation to Sri Lanka and how best ties, with India can be strengthened, Indian President said.

"We must work collectively for the welfare of the society and for the advancement of the nation. We must recognise that just as we ask for our rights, we have an obligation to perform our duties."

"India has always had a vision and message for the world. From the beginning of our civilization we believed that the world is one and humanity is a single family.

India is committed to establish friendly ties and cooperation with all countries". "India will continue to work with the international community to create a better world - a world free of terror, poverty, disease, ignorance and inequality", she said.