On the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, I wish to extend my warm greeting to my fellow Iranians and the people of Sri Lanka.
The National Day of Iran which is being celebrated on February 11th represents struggle led by the Late Imam Khomeini against despotic kingdom regimes. Now, after 44 years, Iran as an independent, democratic country, and a regional power plays a crucial role in international and regional developments.
It is worth noting that Iran’s current position is not confined only in its intentional and a regional relations or interactions. However, despite all the obstacles posed by other countries, Iran has attained outstanding achievements in other areas especially in scientific fields.
Today, Iran is among developed countries in the fields of Nano Technology, construction industry, agriculture, peaceful nuclear energy, space industry and many other scientific fields, relying solely on its indigenous scientists and domestic power. Through these achievements, Iran has got significant rank in the International and regional development indicators. To name a few, Iran is ranked first in the region and 13th in the world in the field of stem cell research and the ability to treat some incurable diseases and infertility, ranked second in Asia in the production of biotechnology products, the seventh producer of cement in the world as well as provision of most of the country’s pharmaceutical needs which has led to the production of Covid-19 vaccine. Furthermore, Iran with its high science and technology growth rate, which is 11 times the world average, is considered one of the prominent countries in the production of science in the world, and many scientific articles are published every year by Iranian professors and cited in prestigious international journals.
Last but not least, Iran’s scientific and technical ability can be clearly noticed in the Uma Oya multi-purpose project, which will soon be inaugurated in the coming months, and by adding 120 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, it will play an important role in easing the existing problems in this sector. This project is an engineering masterpiece in many ways, and some of the actions taken in during the process, which reveals the scientific abilities of Iranian engineers, are rare examples in the world.
These accomplishments and more others indicate that although cruel and inhuman sanctions and economic, political and media pressures have created problems, they could not prevent Iran from fixing its steps on the path of development and progress.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought peace in the region and the world. Iran’s undeniably serious role in fight against ISIS and restoring peace and security in the Middle East and the world is the proof to this. But contrary to this peaceful approach, some other countries took steps towards enmity with Iran and Iranians. Ignoring International norms and laws, they unilaterally withdrew from the agreement which was signed after years of negotiations regarding Iran’s Peaceful nuclear program and announced harsh and cruel sanctions against Iran and my countrymen; sanctions for which no other word than” economic terrorism” can be chosen to describe, sanctions that have even made it impossible for Iranians to have access to some essential vital medicines.
Dear Sri Lankans;
60 years has passed since Iran and Sri Lanka began their official and diplomatic relations in 1961, although their relations have a long history and has roots in ancient times and even can be traced back before Anuradhapura Empire in Sri Lanka. However, the point that lies in the roots of this historical and long-standing relationship and is considered as one of the rare cases in international relations is that it has always been based on friendly, calm and peaceful coexistence.
During the difficult times of the Sri Lankan civil war, when many countries left Sri Lanka alone and refused to support, we stood by the government and people of Sri Lanka because we consider security and peace of Sri Lanka as ours. Even now, this policy has not changed. Besides, Iran has done its best to help Sri Lanka at the time of its economic crisis.
Meanwhile, medical aid from the Islamic Republic of Iran worth several hundred thousand dollars will arrive Sri Lanka in the coming weeks. Huge efforts undertaken to this end and it is in fact a path we are trying to continue.
Similarly, despite the unfair pressures on Sri Lanka in the field of human rights, which shows the double standards of some countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran stood with Sri Lanka and did not fail to provide any help in this direction.
Just as importantly, Iran’s foreign policy is based on friendship, equality to relationship with all countries that interact with us from an equal stand, and Sri Lanka has surely a special place in Iran’s foreign policy.
I take this opportunity to wish good health, prosperity and success for the kind and friendly people of Sri Lanka on behalf of my colleagues, the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
