Several countries including the United States of America, Pakistan, Singapore, Myanmar and Cambodia have sent messages of felicitation to Sri Lanka on its 63rd anniversary of Independence.
‘Sri Lankans have made numerous positive contributions to American culture and America has been a partner for economic growth and development in Sri Lanka’, stated US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her message.
Since Sri Lanka’s independence, our two countries have had a strong relationship based on mutual interests and a shared commitment to the ideals of democratic governance, the Secretary said, adding ‘we hope to continue our efforts to strengthen this relationship by assisting in post-war reconciliation to bring about a peaceful, prosperous, just and democratic future for all its citizens’.
Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in his message stated, ‘Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed very close and friendly ties which have been nurtured over the years through high level interactions and active cooperation in trade, commerce, education, culture and tourism.
President of Singpore, S R Nathan sent his ‘sincere congratulations and best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka’.
Myanmar and Sri Lanka enjoy warm and cordial relations which have grown in depth and dimension over the years, stated Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar in his message.
Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, Thein Sein also sent his best wishes to Sri Lanka in a separate message.
Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen stated that he is confident the good relations between the two countries will be further strengthened and developed for the benefit of the two countries.