COLOMBO : Today, the Republic of Türkiye proudly commemorates its 102nd anniversary. On this momentous occasion, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our citizens living in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. I am also warmly greeting our friends and partners in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The 29th of October holds profound significance for the Turkish people. It marks the day in 1923 when the Republic was formally proclaimed, affirming the unwavering resolve of the Turkish nation to uphold sovereignty, dignity, and self-determination. Under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Commander-in-Chief of the Turkish War of Liberation and the Republic’s founding President, Türkiye emerged from adversity with a renewed spirit and a bold commitment to modernity.
Atatürk’s declaration that “sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation” laid the foundation for a secular, democratic, and progressive state. Today, we pay solemn tribute to Atatürk, his comrades, and the countless heroes who shaped our national destiny.
Türkiye’s enduring strength lies in its deep-rooted state tradition, spanning over two millennia. This legacy has enabled us to overcome challenges, pursue reform, and achieve remarkable progress. Today, Türkiye is recognised globally for its leadership in defence, technology, education, healthcare, transportation, and energy, serving as a model for nations striving toward sustainable development and stability.
As we celebrate this historic milestone, we look ahead with confidence and ambition. The “Century of Türkiye” vision, articulated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the future. It encompasses strategic goals across economic growth, technological innovation, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment, ensuring that Türkiye continues to evolve as a dynamic, resilient, and globally respected nation. Guided by unity and foresight, we remain committed to building on our proud legacy and shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Türkiye’s foreign policy continues to be anchored in the founding principle of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World.” Over the past year, Türkiye has actively contributed to global peace and stability through diplomatic engagement and humanitarian leadership. We have facilitated dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, advocated for justice in Palestine, and supported mediation efforts in regions such as Afghanistan-Pakistan and Ethiopia-Somalia.
Türkiye remains steadfast in its commitment to pragmatic, solution-oriented diplomacy and will continue to serve as a constructive force for peace and cooperation.
In line with our expanding global outreach, Türkiye has significantly strengthened its diplomatic presence and launched strategic initiatives to deepen international partnerships. Recognising Asia’s growing prominence, we introduced the “Asia Anew” Initiative to foster comprehensive engagement with the region. South Asia, and Sri Lanka in particular, occupies a central place in this vision. Our bilateral ties, rooted in a peaceful relationship dating back to 1864, have steadily evolved to encompass a wide spectrum of cooperation, including trade, culture, education, and development.
Türkiye’s partnership with Sri Lanka is built on mutual respect, solidarity, and shared values. Following the 2004 tsunami, Türkiye provided immediate humanitarian assistance and constructed housing for displaced communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis, we extended critical support, reaffirming our commitment to stand by Sri Lanka in times of need.
Beyond emergency relief, Türkiye prioritizes sustainable development and capacity-building. Through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), we have implemented impactful projects in Sri Lanka, including vocational training programs, water infrastructure development, and the establishment of a microbiology laboratory. These initiatives reflect our long-term vision for inclusive growth and self-reliance.
Education remains a cornerstone of our bilateral engagement. The Türkiye Scholarships program (Türkiye Bursluları) offers students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to pursue higher education in Türkiye. Over the past decade, more than one hundred Sri Lankan students have benefited from this initiative. In 2025, we proudly doubled the scholarship quota for Sri Lanka, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing future leaders and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Tourism continues to be a vibrant bridge between our nations. Last year, over ten thousand Sri Lankans visited Türkiye. Turkish tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka have tripled over the past five years, with this year’s numbers already matching previous records, and we are on track to surpass this year within nine months. These encouraging trends are driven by the expansion of direct flights of Turkish Airlines between Colombo and Istanbul, and we remain confident that our cooperation in tourism will further enhance mutual understanding and friendship.
Over the past year, our two nations have taken meaningful strides to deepen bilateral engagement. We have established Parliamentary Friendship Associations both in Türkiye and Sri Lanka at our respective parliaments. In July 2025, a high-level dialogue, the 3rd Joint Economic and Trade Commission Meeting, was convened in Colombo, bringing together senior representatives from both governments to chart a strategic roadmap for bilateral trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation. In the realm of defense, the visit of the Turkish Navy’s TCG Büyükada to the Port of Colombo marked a significant maritime cooperation. The ship’s arrival was warmly received by Sri Lankan officials and underscored the importance of naval engagement in fostering mutual understanding and regional security.
Equally important has been the cultural dimension of our relationship. In January, the Turkish Embassy Golf Cup was organized at the historic Royal Colombo Golf Club, an event followed by an awards ceremony at the Residence of the Ambassador. In April, the award ceremony of the essay and painting competition titled ’My Unforgettable Ramadan Experience’ was organized at the Maldives Cultural Centre by the Turkish Embassy. In May, the Anadolu University Symphony Orchestra String Quartet gave chamber music concerts, featuring works by Alexander Glazunov and Ulvi Cemal Erkin. In June, we organized the Turkish Breakfast Day event at the Residence of the Ambassador.
The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye has organized most of the cultural events with the strong support of our flag carrier, Turkish Airlines. The company successfully hosted the 10th edition of the prestigious Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup in Colombo in June at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. The tournament marked the 61st stop in this year’s global series, with winners earning a spot in the Grand Finals in Türkiye.
There is strong political will on both sides to deepen collaboration across key sectors, including trade, investment, defense, energy, education, and culture. As we mark the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the bonds between Türkiye and Sri Lanka, and to advancing a partnership grounded in trust, shared aspirations, and mutual benefit.
On behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, I convey my sincere appreciation to the people of Sri Lanka for their enduring friendship and goodwill. May our cooperation continue to flourish in the years ahead.
