Venerable heads of religious faiths and denominations.

Governor of the Northern Province Hon. Nagalingam Vethanayahan

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar

Honorable Members and former Members of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the UoJ, UoV, Academicians, the esteemed fraternities of the Armed forces, police forces, judiciary, lawyers, doctors, civil servants, business leaders, media professionals, fellow members of the Indian community, persons of Indian origin, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and indeed, my dear brothers and sisters,

Vanakaam, Ayubowan, Namaste, and a very good evening to you all.

I extend to all of you a very warm welcome on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India.

Ladies and gentlemen, Seventy-seven years ago, our Constitution came alive. It gave voice to the dreams of a billion people, transforming an ancient civilization into a modern Republic. On this day in 1950, India gave to herself a Constitution that reflected the aspirations of a newly independent nation and the timeless values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Drafted through debate, dialogue and consensus, it remains one of the most remarkable constitutional documents in the world. It is in this context that India is often described as the birthplace of democracy and, more profoundly, as the mother of democracy, where participatory traditions and collective decision-making have been nurtured for centuries.

Today, we gather to honour that profound moment in India’s journey, but more importantly, to reflect on the path we are building together, here in Sri Lanka, and from this historic soil of Jaffna. It is a moment of reflection on the journey of the Indian people and a reaffirmation of the responsibilities that come with democratic governance, social harmony and inclusive development.

Brothers and sisters, our national journey today is guided by a clear vision: Viksit Bharat, a Developed India by 2047. This is not a distant dream, but a planned transformation taking root in our villages and cities today. Closely aligned with this is the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which focuses on strengthening domestic capabilities, resilient supply chains, technological self-reliance and competitive manufacturing, while remaining fully integrated with the global economy. These are not inward-looking ideas, dear friends. They are about building strength at home to contribute more meaningfully abroad, in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the world as one family.

This year, that spirit finds a special echo as we mark the centenary of our national song, Vande Mataram. For a hundred years, its verses have stirred our souls, reminding us of a love for the motherland that is both tender and resolute. That same love extends to our bonds of kinship beyond our shores, and here, in the Northern Province.

Sri Lanka is family. The North is family: our family. This truth is the cornerstone of India’s Neighbourhood First policy. Our shared geography in the MAHASAGAR, the great Indian Ocean, is a space of common destiny. Your development and prosperity are inseparable from our own. Our partnership is therefore natural, necessary, and something that is nurtured with deep respect.

In the Northern Province, this partnership is visible and tangible. Our work here is driven by your priorities. We have focused on rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and reviving institutions that serve the community. The renovation of important infrastructure projects, the construction of over 50000 houses, University buildings, schools, hospitals, ward complexes, this very Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre, energy cooperation initiatives and sacred places of worship, are indeed projects of concrete, stone and steel, but their more important purpose is that of human dignity and well-deserved opportunities for the people of the North.

Connectivity is the lifeblood of progress. We understand that the development of the North is intrinsically linked to its physical and economic integration. Connectivity remains central to this approach. Projects related to roads, railways, ports, energy and people-to-people links with the North are investments in shared prosperity. Stronger connectivity supports economic activity, social integration and regional balance, while also reinforcing Sri Lanka’s role as a hub in the Indian Ocean region. Connectivity through the Chennai-Jaffna air route, Chennai-Trichy air route which commenced last year, and Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai passenger ferry route are indeed a revival of our ancient cultural, commercial and people-to-people channels. These projects have been reconnecting families, developmental partners, and elevating the futures of the people of this wonderful region. This year, we hope to fortify these connections further, with the modernization of the Kankesanthurai-Nagapattinam route which is expected to be launched soon, and to also explore the restoration of the Thalaimannar-Rameshwaram ferry route.

This is just one thread in a larger tapestry of connectivity we are weaving, through power transmission, digital networks, and maritime cooperation, to ensure that the North is a hub, and not a periphery in the developmental journey of this nation.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka last year marked an important milestone and was a profound demonstration of our civilizational unity. The visit resulted in significant announcements across energy cooperation, digital public infrastructure, connectivity, renewable energy and various forms of economic collaboration. These initiatives are designed to deliver tangible benefits according to Sri Lanka’s priorities. The visit underscored a commitment to stand with Sri Lanka through challenges. We witnessed this commitment in action recently with Operation Sagar Bandhu. When distress calls came from your waters, Indian ships and aircraft responded immediately. This humanitarian mission reflects a permanent principle: in times of crisis, India will be a first responder, a steadfast friend. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India responded swiftly to Sri Lanka’s urgent needs through material relief, search and rescue operations, and infrastructure restoration. Indian expert teams worked on the repair of damaged bridges, and the restoration of railway and road infrastructure, ensuring the resumption of essential services and connectivity. To date, over 1,100 metric tons of material relief have been provided, alongside ongoing technical and humanitarian support.

Most recently, Government of India announced a 450 million US dollar reconstruction package, reinforcing our focus on livelihood restoration, infrastructure rebuilding and community resilience. Over the years, India has been a steadfast development partner for Sri Lanka. Our grant assistance of approximately 850 million US dollars, alongside overall assistance exceeding 7.5 billion US dollars, reflects a long-term commitment to Sri Lanka’s stability, recovery and prosperity. Our ongoing cooperation in maritime security, disaster management, and capacity-building continues with this same spirit of solidarity.

My dear friends, the vision for our shared future is one of interlinked success. A stable, prosperous, and confident Sri Lanka is vital for a peaceful and progressive Indian Ocean region. India is, and will remain, your strongest partner in realizing this vision. We bring no agenda other than shared growth. We impose no conditions other than mutual respect.

Ladies and gentlemen, my team and I see our role here in the North quite clearly. We are here to listen, to facilitate, and to ensure that our collaborative projects deliver genuine benefit to the people of this resilient region. Your aspirations and your priorities will continue to guide our efforts. This relationship with the North reflects the enduring bonds between our peoples and our collective belief in democratic values, pluralism and peaceful coexistence. India remains committed to working with you as a trusted brother, a reliable friend and a neighbour who cares deeply about shared progress.

Friends, we are also privileged to witness two classical dance presentations from India this evening.

A Mohiniyattam performance led by Kalaimamani Smt Rashmi Menon, followed by a Kathakali performance led by Evoor Rajendran Pillai, both of whom are highly accomplished artists, offer a glimpse into India’s rich cultural diversity. Both dance forms originate in the state of Kerala, whose historical, cultural and maritime connections with the Northern Province are well known. With their emphasis on storytelling, rhythm, expression and devotion, these traditions reflect shared civilizational threads across the Indian Ocean, reminding us that culture has long served as a bridge between our peoples, carrying values, aesthetics and ideas across generations and shores.

On this 77th Republic Day, as we celebrate India’s democratic spirit, we equally celebrate the enduring friendship between our two nations. This is a friendship tested by time and strengthened by shared purpose. Together, we can build a future that honours our past and secures our common destiny.

My dear brothers and sisters, I truly appreciate the valuable presence and participation of each of you, this evening, and for all that you have contributed to the strengthening of this relationship. This is to me a celebration of yet another milestone in our journey, and therefore, allow me, with respect and with love, to congratulate each and every one of you.