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Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Thursday, 24 March 2022 03:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: Guest of Honour Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, Chief Guest Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Sri Lanka India Society President Kishore Reddy
One of the oldest and largest friendship societies in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) was established in 1949 with the focus on promoting the development and elevation of social and cultural relations and friendship between Sri Lanka and India.
The society’s mission to strengthen neighbouring ties is fortified via many events and activities to further the relationship built over many years. In upholding the roots of the society and its cultures, Kishore Reddy who is held in high esteem in both countries, has undertaken the leadership from Rohan Tudawe an outgoing past president.
On the note of upholding shared history, recent events highlight both Sri Lanka and India entering into their 75th year as independent countries. To honour this feat, the society commemorated a dinner to toast to both great countries.
Inaugurating this special evening Chief Guest Minister of Education Dinesh Gunawardena and Guest of Honour High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay amongst many dignitaries was invited to be a part of the cultural co-operation that emphasised the importance of the bilateral relationship.
During the event, High Commissioner Baglay highlighted diverse elements of deep-rooted, centuries-old ties between the peoples of India and Sri Lanka in his remarks. He specifically noted the shared passion for cricket between the two countries in the present times. He was also appreciative about the initiatives undertaken by organisations like the Sri Lanka India Society in strengthening the people to people bonds. High Commissioner Baglay also mentioned that Sri Lanka and India are children of the same ancient culture and both countries have common cultural relationship and India will always be of assistance whenever Sri Lanka needs India’s help.
In appreciating the encouragement and guidance towards the society, SLIS President Kishore Reddy expressed: “I believe people-to-people relations and cultural links constitute one of the cardinal pillars of our relationship. This way will lead to the cross-pollination of thoughts and ideas and the sharing of knowledge will nurture diversity and common prosperity. I thank the assistance received from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and the High Commissioner. At the same time, I owe my thanks to the Dinesh Gunawardena and the Ministry of Education for identifying young talent across the island to promote cultural relationships with interactive events.”
SLIS which has more than 800 life members consisting of both Sri Lankan and Indian nationals has been working closely with the Office of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. The presidents of the society in the recent past are Deshabandu Tilak De soyza, Deshamanya Ken Balendra, Chandra Shafter, Dr. Uvais Ahamed, Col. Harindran, Manik Pereira, Kandaiah Neelakandan, Kumar Nadesan, T.S. Prakash and Rohan Tudawe.
The office bearers of the society for 2021/22 are President Kishore Reddy; Vice Presidents Renganathan, Dr. A Kandasamy and Deshabandu Jaykumar; Secretary Kailasapillai; Asst. Secretary Chaturi Ranasinghe; Treasurer Saravanan Neelakandan; Asst. Treasurer S. Shameer; and Editor Sumit Law. In addition, another 14 Sri Lankan and 10 Indian members also serve in the Executive Committee.
