COLOMBO : The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo observed July Martyrs’ Day 2026 with due solemnity Thursda.y (16 July ) by organizing a commemorative discussion titled “The Spirit of July: Youth, Courage and the Promise of a Better Tomorrow.” The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of eminent Sri Lankan journalists, academics, strategic affairs experts, university faculty members, young scholars from Sri Lanka Model United Nations (SLMUN), faculty members of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), and representatives of think tanks and civil society organizations, reflecting the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to democratic values, youth engagement and regional cooperation.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Commodore Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Defence Adviser of the Bangladesh High Commission. Messages from the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, issued on the occasion of July Martyrs’ Day, were also read out.
A keynote presentation on “The Spirit of July: Youth, Courage and the Promise of a Better Tomorrow” highlighted the historical significance of the July Uprising of 2024, its evolution from a student-led movement into a nationwide civic movement, and its enduring relevance in advancing democratic governance, justice, youth empowerment and inclusive development.
The discussion was further enriched by a panel of distinguished Sri Lankan speakers who shared their perspectives on youth participation, democratic governance, security studies and regional political developments.
Dr. Rishan De Silva, Executive Director of Geopolitical Cartographer, discussed the broader geopolitical significance of youth-led civic movements and emphasized the importance of democratic institutions in addressing public aspirations.
Dr. George I. H. Cooke, Former Director of the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies and former Deputy Director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, reflected on the historical evolution of democratic movements in South Asia and underscored the importance of preserving institutional resilience and promoting inclusive governance.
Colonel Nalin Herath (Retd.), Former Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies of Sri Lanka, shared observations on the relationship between national stability, public trust and responsive governance, stressing that constructive engagement between the State and its citizens remains fundamental to long-term stability.
Mr. Thirukumar Premakumar, Executive Director of the International Youth Alliance for Peace, highlighted the contribution of young people in promoting peacebuilding, democratic values and social cohesion across the region.
Mr. Mohammed Rasooldeen, Editor-in-Chief of Colombo Times, reflected on the role of the media in documenting historic events, fostering informed public discourse and safeguarding democratic accountability.
The programme concluded with speech by Mr. Samapan Barua, Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, who paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the values of democracy, justice, youth empowerment and inclusive development. He noted that the spirit of July continues to inspire Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to build a more democratic, equitable and prosperous nation.
