COLOMBO : Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Annyonghasimnikka (Korean Greetings)
As Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, I would like to deliver my heartiest congratulations on Sri Lanka’s 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka gaining independence. Subapethum!! I am delighted to convey my warm felicitations to the friendly people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day. On this great occasion ,Sri Lankans commemorate and pay tribute to the national heroes of the independence movement who made various sacrifices to win the independence.
As all Sri Lankans worldwide celebrate the independence with pride under the theme “Namo Namo Matha – A Step towards a Century,” I am happy to say that the Republic of Korea celebrates together with you!
Since 1977, Korea and Sri Lanka have come a long way together to form a symbiotic bilateral partnership, strengthened by mutual goodwill and high-level exchanges. In nearly half a century,
bilateral ties have developed multi-dimensionally. Sri Lanka’s natural resources and labour force complement Korea’s high-technology and capital. Considering the strategic location, cooperation
with Sri Lanka is essential. About 25,000 Sri Lankan workers are working in Korea currently, contributing to the two countries’ economic development.
The stability in the bilateral partnership between Korea and Sri Lanka is also a testimony to the historic, religious, cultural, social and economic exchanges which have evolved over time. The
contours of this relationship extend to the commonalities in the historical experiences of Korea and Sri Lanka.
Like Sri Lanka, Korea also experienced the colonial era, gained independence and rebuilt our nation. While both countries faced many hardships in the past, the peoples of both nations struggled for freedom and prosperity. The celebration today is a tribute to the people of Sri Lanka who continued to struggle peacefully to achieve independence on 4 th February 1948 and become a sovereign independent state among the international community.
Our two nations and people are examples of resilience, steadfastness and hope even in the most difficult circumstances.
Korea’s economic miracle, so called the “Miracle on Han River” is a story of overcoming many hardships by the Korean people that led to the national development from poverty to prosperity. Like Korea, Sri Lanka tries to overcome problems and make its people
happier.
Sri Lankan people always have smiles on their faces. The smile shows pride in overcoming numerous difficulties throughout the past and displaying courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Challenge is another chance.” Miracle on the Han River” which represents Korea’s accelerated economic development, I dream of the “ Miracle on the Kelani River.” While we have come a long way together in the path of development, there is a lot more to be done.
We should resolve to work towards realizing the dream of building back better for our future generations. Korea, once an aid-recipient, but an aid-donor country now, will stand by Sri Lanka to help the island nation’s rebound.
As the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea like the meaning of my Sri Lankan name “Santhush,” I would really 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 friendly people of Sri Lanka. I will closely work with all of you to achieve our common goals.
Once again, I wish all our Sri Lankan friends a very happy and memorable Independence Day!
