RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — National Day 43rd Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran was held at the Ambassadors Official Residence in Colombo on 11th February.
Chief Guest Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral ( Retd) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara MP along with Ambassador of Iran Hashem Ashjaazdseh cut the cake at this ceremony.
Minister Weerasekera and the ambassador jointly cut a cake to begin the celebrations held at the ambassador’s residence in Colombo 7.
Speaking on hehalf of the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Weerasekera said Iran and Sri Lanka enjoys friendly relations for more than five decades.
Describing Iran as a country that has an unparalleled civilization and a rich culture and history, Weerasekera said: “ The Sri Lankan mission in Tehran was opened in 1962, and it was reciprocated with a mission in Colombo in 1975.
“ Since our country is opened for tourism, we want Iranians to visit our country and enjoy the touristic features of the island,” he added.
Ambassador Ashjaazdseh said his country contributes a great deal for regional and international development and Sri Lanka is one of the beneficiaries. “ We have a state-of-the art pharmaceutical industry which can be utilized by Sri Lanka too,” he said, recalling that the two countries enjoy 60 years of diplomatic relations.
In addition to a galaxy of diplomats from the diplomatic corps, ministers NImal Siripala De Silva, Bandula Gunawardene, Members of Parliament Marjan Faleel, Mujibur Rahuman, Rauf Hakeem and Rishad Bathiudeen, Deputy Mayor of Colombo M. T. M. Iqbal, Cultural Counselor of Iran Bahman Moazamil, Former Sri Lankan Ambassadors in Iran Omar Kamil and M.M. Zuhair PC, Defence Attache of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Colonel Homayoun Aliyari with Embassy Officials were also present.
