Colombo hosts Indo-Sri Lanka Economic Co-operation Forum

SUNFO Director General Dr. Deshapriya S. Wijetunge receiving ‘Icon of the Year High Award’

Diplomacy Governor Ruwan de Silva receiving the ‘Sustainable Development International Cooperation Award’

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya addressing the assembly

SUNFO Director General Dr. Deshapriya S. Wijetunge addressing the assembly

The Indo-Sri Lanka Economic Co-operation Forum hosted by the Institute of Economic Studies (IES-India) with the Cooperation of SUNFO Global Federation was held at the Galle Face Hotel recently.

High level trade, business and professional delegation from India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, UK and the Middle East came to Sri Lanka to attend the forum.

SUNFO Global Federation Director General and Ambassador of Peace Dr. Deshapriya S. Wijetunge addressed the conference and highlighted the need for a global attempt to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030. Also, he further elaborated on people-to-people cooperation and understanding the partnerships developed by SUNFO over the past two decades between Sri Lanka and India as friendly nations. He once proposed a condolence notice for the funeral in New Delhi of great Gandhian leader Dr. Subba Rao, who passed away at the age of 92, and his funeral was held the day of this forum. Dr. Rao, popularly known as Bhaiji, started social work in his days as a student, prior to India’s Independence. His connection to Mahatma Gandhi began with the wearing of khadi and would eventually expand to a life-long association with Gandhi’s legacy. 

Dr. Wijetunge further mentioned the SUNFO initiative to establish the Mahatma Gandhi Non-Violence, Peace and Inter-religious Harmony monument in Sri Lanka parallel to the SUNFO-hosted South Asian Peace Youth Camp in 2011. 

The IES Executive Director said that this forum was a platform on which people from various walks of life could connect and that also it enhances the image of India overseas. She said that they had analysed different venues and host countries, like Dubai, Malaysia, etc. to have this event, but finally decided to have it in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya elaborated on the historical relationship between India and Sri Lanka, one which spans over several thousands of years. He extended his greetings for the IES decisions to hold this event in Sri Lanka amidst this pandemic, and for bringing such an important delegation to Sri Lanka.

Minister Susil Premajayanth extended his greetings from the Government, stressed the need to further strengthen bilateral social and economic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

Minister Kanaka Herath addressed the forum and expressed his views on the plantation community and role the plantation sector plays in country’s economic growth. He pointed out that from the inception of the plantation industry, India’s workforce had contributed tremendously to uplifting it.

Some of the key international leaders that attended the forum were South Canara District Central Cooperative Bank – India Chairman Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Global Digital University – USA Vice Chancellor Dr. Hari Krishna Maram, Hitachi Rails STS – India Head Dr. Manoj Kumarak, Global Specialty Ingredients M SDN BHD – Malaysia Managing Director Dr. Robert Basker, Bihari Connect – London, UK Chairman Dr. Udeshwar Singh, Medical Surgeon – Dubai, UAE Dr. Azam Badar Khan, and University Grants Commission – Bangladesh Past Chairman Prof. Abdul Mannan.

The following Sri Lankans were honoured at this august assembly with the following international awards presented by IES:

1. Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya: ‘Excellence Leader of Humanity and Social Justice International High Award’

2. MP and State Minister of Education Reforms, Open Universities and Distance Learning Promotion S.A.D. Susil Premajayanth: ‘Excellence Leader of Sustainable Development International High Award’

3. MP and State Minister of Company Estate Reforms, Tea and Rubber Estates Related Crops Cultivation and Factories Modernization and Tea and Rubber Export Promotion Hon. Kanaka Dasaratha Herath: ‘Excellence Leader of Social Development International High Award’

4. SUNFO Director General, Ambassador of Peace, and SDG Policy Advisor Dr. Deshapriya S. Wijetunge: ‘Icon of the Year High Award’

5. Sustainable Development Diplomacy Governor, India-Sri Lanka Goodwill Ambassador, and Daybridge International Chairperson Iromi Weerasinghe: ‘Sustainable Development International Quality Education Award’

6. Diplomacy Governor, Sripalee Contractors Chairman and Business Leader Ruwan Dayajeewa De Silva: ‘Sustainable Development International Cooperation Award’

7. National Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Chandana Gajanayake: ‘Sustainable Development International Health & Wellbeing Award’

8. Sri Lankan singer and creator of the world’s first SDG Sinhala language song Youth Artist Chanaka Madhushan: ‘Sustainable Development International Singing Award’

9. Employment Services and Manpower Planning Directorate – Sri Lanka Director General Anusha Goakula: ‘International Icon Award’

10. Shapoorji Pallonji Lanka Company Country Head Dr. T.R. Mallikarjuna: ‘International Icon Award’