Commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, 17 August 2026
“Indonesia–Sri Lanka: Weaving Friendship, Strengthening Partnership, Shaping a Shared Future”
COLOMBO :On the occasion of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, I extend my warmest greetings and highest appreciation to the Government and people of Sri Lanka, Indonesian fellows, as well as to all our friends and partners in this beautiful country.
For Indonesia, independence is not merely a historic event, but an ongoing journey to realize our aspirations as a free, sovereign, prosperous, and forward-looking nation, while contributing to peace and prosperity in the world.
This spirit is also reflected in the longstanding relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka in maritime, cultural, and religious exchanges that connected our peoples across the Indian Ocean. The establishment of diplomatic relations on 2 August 1952 further strengthened the foundations of a friendship that had flourished long before.
Our friendship was further strengthened through the Colombo Conference in 1954 and the historic Asian-African Conference in Bandung Conference in 1955. Today, the Spirit of Bandung Conference continues to inspire Indonesia and Sri Lanka in upholding sovereignty, promoting peace, respecting international law, and strengthening cooperation among developing countries towards a more just, peaceful, and inclusive international order.
More than seven decades later, our relationship has evolved into a broad, dynamic, and forward-looking partnership. As two maritime nations situated along the Indian Ocean, Indonesia and Sri Lanka share important strategic interests and significant opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Our engagement today spans a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, tourism, the blue economy, maritime connectivity, defence and security, education, health, agriculture, and energy. We also see strong potential to further expand cooperation in digital transformation, food security, renewable energy, disaster management, and other areas that support sustainable and inclusive development.
Equally important is the growing connection between our peoples. Through cultural exchanges, academic cooperation, tourism, and people-to-people contacts, we continue to strengthen mutual understanding and build bridges between our two societies.
The year 2027 mark a historic milestone, as Indonesia and Sri Lanka will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations—the Diamond Jubilee of our bilateral ties. This occasion should not only be a celebration of our shared journey and achievements, but also an opportunity to open a new, stronger, and more ambitious chapter in our bilateral relations.
As Indonesia advances towards Golden Indonesia 2045, we believe Sri Lanka will become an increasingly important partner in this journey. Indonesia stands ready to continue working with Sri Lanka in supporting sustainable growth, prosperity, and a stronger role for Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean region.
May the friendship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka continue to flourish, and may our two nations continue to walk together towards a brighter, more peaceful, and prosperous future.
Long Live Indonesia ! Long Live Sri Lanka!
