Speaking at the event, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E Gopal Baglay appreciated the work done by the oldest and biggest friendship society under the leadership of Mr Kishore Reddy and stated that it is the work done by the society had been bringing the people of Sri Lanka and India together.
H.E Gopal Baglay reiterated India’s support to Sri Lanka not just as a friend and the closest neighbour but also as a cultural twin who shares a very similar socio-cultural and religious relationship based on the principles of Dharma and the concept of ”Sahadeva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
While both countries celebrate 75 years of independence, SLIS is also entering its 75th year of formation.
However, the relationship between the people of the two countries goes beyond thousands of years of written history.
Mr Kishore Reddy in his speech thanked the High Commissioner and the Government of India on behalf of the society for firmly standing by Sri Lanka throughout the times it was facing one of the worst economic situations in history.
Mr Reddy thanked the executive committee of the SLIS for having the confidence to re-elect him to lead the society for another year.
“I appreciate the work done by the exco for standing by me and making it an eventful year.
We, as a Society, organised various events which included blood donation camps, Rohan Tudawe Memorial Event, promoted young cultural talent, Mahatma Gandhi Oration, tourism events to promote the Ramayana trail, Vaishnava trail in Sri Lanka and little-known and hidden Buddhist Sites of India.
The society also held a dinner to commemorate India’s Republic Day and Sri Lanka’s Independence Day with the then Education Minister and the present Prime Minister Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena.
In addition, the Society also hosted a dinner to commemorate India’s 75th Anniversary of Independence, which was graced by the President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe.” Mr Reddy shared.
The newly appointed President of SLIS also highlighted that the members have actively participated in events organised by the Indians in Colombo and the Indian CEO forums like Holi and Diwali.
Indians residing in the city also participated in the SLIS events which is a testimony to the cross-cultural participation with the aim of developing stronger bonds between the countries.
Mr Reddy also thanked H.E Gopal Baglay, the Society’s Patron, for his presence and support at all the events and activities hosted by the society, and appreciated the assistance and guidance provided by Mr Kaushalendra Kumar, the counsellor and the entire team of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka.
SLIS consists of both Sri Lankan and Indian nationals.
The society's patron is H.E Gopal Baglay and has been working closely with the Office of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka.
The vice patrons of the society are Tilak De Soyza, Chandra Shafter and Kumar Nadesan.
The society’s office bearers for 2022/23 are President Kishore Reddy; Vice Presidents: Renganathan, Dr. A Kandasamy, and Deshabandu Jaykumar; Secretary Kailasapillai; Asst. Secretary Chaturi Ranasinghe; Treasurer Saravanan Neelakandan; Asst. Treasurer S. Shameer; and Editor Sumit Law. In addition, another 14 Sri Lankan and 10 Indian members also serve on the Executive Committee.