COLOMBO : Greetings to my fellow Indonesians, Greetings to dear People of Sri Lanka, Today August 17, 2023, is a special day for Indonesian citizens worldwide to celebrate the 78th Anniversary of Independence Day of Indonesia and we would like to share our joy and happiness with the People of Sri Lanka.
On the same day in 1945, the first President of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno and Vice President, Mohammad Hatta, declared the proclamation of Independence of Indonesia, and more than 300 ethnic groups participated in the formation of a newly independent country name the Republic of Indonesia.
The unity of the people was the key to gain our Independence on August 17, 1945. Our motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, the Unity in Diversity, started in the National Awakening movement in 1908 and continued with the Youth Pledge in 1928, is still and always relevant for the post-modern era.
As stated in the preamble of Indonesia’s Constitution, Indonesia is committed to actively contributing to world peace and security and accordingly, Indonesia actively participates internationally and regionally.
Relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka have historically been established since the 8th century. These historical and cultural ties were further strengthened by the official opening of diplomatic relations on August 6, 1952. Since then, Indonesia and Sri Lanka continuously strengthen ties in various fields of mutual interests in bilateral, regional and international.
Indonesia and Sri Lanka share strong values and respect democracy. The two countries have much in common and boast a diverse population with different ethnicities, religions, and traditions – a diversity that strengthens and enriches the two nations’ friendship and offers significant potencies and more opportunities for further cooperation.
The two countries are also the pioneers of the Asia-Africa Conference on 18-24 April 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia and continued to the Colombo Conference in Sri Lanka on April 28-May 2, 1954. The Asia-Africa Conference, with the outcome of the “Bandung Principles,” then gave birth to the Non-Aligned Movement on September 1, 1961.
Both countries also actively collaborate in many organisations including United Nations, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Colombo Plan, IORA, Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum, Bali Process among many other organizations.
Indonesia congratulates and extends strong support to the Chairmanship of Sri Lanka for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the tenure 2023-2025. Indonesia has the confidence under the leadership of Sri Lanka in IORA will bring significant progress to the aim in strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe in his remarks during the commemoration of the 56th ASEAN Day held on 8 of August 2023 in the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo, mentioned the intention of Sri Lanka to join the Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP) and plans to initiate negotiations for the establishment of free trade agreements with corresponding ASEAN members. H.E. President Ranil also give commitment of Sri Lanka to support concepts of ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific and Indonesia Maritime Fulcrum.
In line with the intention of H.E. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Indonesia welcomes the above-mentioned valuable initiatives and commitments. Indonesia also hails the recent approval of the Cabinet Ministers of Sri Lanka to the start negotiation on Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Indonesia to lead to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which is being processed between the officials of the two countries to be able to launch the negotiation in the near future.
In keeping with the spirit upheld in Indonesia’s past Presidency of G20 in the year 2022 with the theme “Recover Together, Recover Stronger” and the current ASEAN Chairmanship of Indonesia for 2023 with the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, the leaderships of Indonesia are to ensure the inclusivity for no one left behind.
Therefore, Indonesia stands ready to uplift stronger relations with Sri Lanka to be more vigorous and robust and to forge a closer bond of friendly relations to being a reliable partner for Sri Lanka.
There are so many opportunities lies ahead, let us continuously working together to bring greater benefits and prosperity for our two peoples. Long live Indonesia and Sri Lanka partnership!
