Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Annyonghasimnikka
I am the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, Santhush Woonjin JEONG.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Koreans, Sri Lankans and friends of Korea in Sri Lanka for joining the celebration of National Foundation Day. Today, like my Sri Lankan name Santhush, it brings me great happiness to celebrate this momentous occasion together with all of you. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Government and the People of Sri Lanka for the many wishes extended on this happy occasion.
October 3rd holds great significance for all Korean nationals living worldwide including in Sri Lanka. This year marks the 4354th anniversary since the very first Korean nation known as Gojoseon, or Ancient Joseon was built by the legendary founding father Dangun in 2333 BCE. From that day forward, this special day ‘Gaecheonjeol’ has instilled in Koreans a sense of national identity, pride, unity, and patriotism.
On this National Day, Korea humbly remembers that it could not have achieved what it has without the help of its friends. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without international support. Korea is thankful to the international society including Sri Lanka for the support extended to Korea in the past. Now the time has come for Korea to repay the international community by joining the global efforts to assist developing countries.
I believe this day should also celebrate the ties of friendship shared by Korea and Sri Lanka and reaffirm the strong commitment to elevating our friendship to greater heights. As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two countries this year, I remind you that the relations between our two countries have continued to evolve and develop in a whole spectrum of fields of mutual interest spanning political, economic, education, and cultural cooperation.
To celebrate this landmark celebration of 45 years of bilateral diplomatic ties, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka officially visited Korea early this year. Following this visit, two important high-ranking officials paid a visit to Sri Lanka, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, and the Minister for Government Policy Coordination of the Republic of Korea. After they visited Sri Lanka, thanks to the kind support from the Government of Sri Lanka, we, together, made a lot of significant results in our bilateral relations.
Korea and Sri Lanka have developed staunch bilateral relations and Korea has always been a trustworthy friend to Sri Lanka. For instance, Korean development agencies such as KOICA, EXIM bank Korea, KOTRA, KOPIA and Saemaul Foundation have conducted numerous projects in the field of education, transportation, water resources, food, agriculture and rural livelihood development in a collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka. Also, Korea has supported Sri Lanka in times of need, by donating around $3 million worth of medical equipment to combat the COVID-19 virus in Sri Lanka in the last two years.
Also, the history and experience of Korea’s economic development can provide an inspiration to the people of Sri Lanka. Korea has been the one of the biggest investors in Sri Lanka and many Korean businessmen have shared its diligence with Sri Lankan partners. The trade volume between Korea and Sri Lanka has increased by 30-fold since its establishment of diplomatic ties in 1977 and Korean companies such as Samsung LG, Keangnam, Kolon Corporation, and Hyundai have continued to provide their products and services. Indeed, the people of Korea and Sri Lanka have had a good influence to each other.
As the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea like the meaning of my Sri Lankan name “Santhush,” I would like to carry happiness to Sri Lanka. I love Sri Lanka. I love Sri Lankan people. On this occasion of celebrating this important milestone of your country’s rich history, on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Korea, I take this opportunity to wish every success, peace, and prosperity to the government and the friendly people of Sri Lanka. I will closely work with all of you to achieve our common goals. Once again, I appreciate all of you for extending your best wishes.
Thank you. Isthuthi. Nandri.
