Minister Dr. Amunugama addresses South African Freedom Day event

Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama was the Chief Guest at the South African Freedom Day event held at Galle Face Hotel on 26 April. Minister Amunugama represented the Government of Sri Lanka at this event. South African High Commissioner Robina P. Marks and many others participated at this event. Following is the speech delivered by Minister Dr. Amunugama:

Your Excellency Robina P. Marks, High Commissioner of South Africa, Excellencies, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished invitees, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to represent the Government of Sri Lanka on this happy occasion to celebrate the 24th Anniversary of the South African Freedom Day. On behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I wish to extend our warm congratulations to the Government and people of South Africa on the Freedom Day.

The relations between Sri Lanka and South Africa have always been excellent based on mutual respect, trust and friendship. Historical relations between our two countries go back to the time when we supported your people in the fight against apartheid. As members of the non-aligned movement, we stood together solidarity with your people and we joyously celebrated your freedom and established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1994. Our two countries work closely as members of Indian Ocean Rim Association building synergies among Indian Ocean states.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in recent times two things have bound our country together and that is trade and cricket. Names of cricketers like Chris Morris, Aiden Markram have become names familiar in our households. We are looking forward to the visit of the South African cricket team to Sri Lanka in the summer. I am happy to note that the trade between our two countries is increasing and that we are becoming strong economic partners.

We are encouraging the inflow of foreign direct investments from South African companies and we hope the establishment of air connectivity between the two capitals will strengthen the people-to-people contacts and promote bilateral trade.

As our country pursues the path of reconciliation to strengthen national integration, we are inspired by South Africa’s example of truth and reconciliation. There are indeed lessons that we could learn from your experience and we are grateful to South African for being always willing to share your experience with us.

We are currently reviewing the progress made at the sixth session of the Sri Lanka-South Africa Partnership Forum held in Pretoria last year. Arrangements are being made to hold the seventh session of the Partnership Forum in Colombo in October this year to continue the bilateral dialogue.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this year is very special for South Africa as you have just had a change in your national leadership with the appointment of President Ramaphosa to the helm of your country. We recall his visit to Sri Lanka in 2014 when he was your Vice President and we count him as a close friend of Sri Lanka.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I once again convey my warm congratulations to you on South Africa Freedom Day.

May I now propose a toast to the: Good health and well-being of His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of South Africa and, to the enduring friendship and partnership between Sri Lanka and South Africa.

I thank you all.