About 50 prominent members of Pravasi Bhartiya community in Sri Lanka were invited to attend the event.

Minister of National Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages of Sri Lanka, Mano Ganesan, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Y.K. Sinha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, was also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner highlighted the importance of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which is celebrated every year on January 9 to commemorate the contribution made by Indian Diaspora towards nation building in India and in their adopted countries.

He spoke about the close cultural links between India and Sri Lanka and the contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Sri Lanka, which has acted as a bridge between the two ancient civilizations.

The High Commissioner also highlighted various flagship programmes like 'Make in India', 'Smart Cities', 'Digital India', 'Skill India', etc. launched recently by the Government of India.

In his address, the Chief Guest Ganesan, appreciated the role being played by the Indian High Commission for engaging Pravasi Bhartiyas in various activities and helping them in various ways.

He also referred to the historical relations between India and Sri Lanka and the role Pravasi Bhartiyas are playing in strengthening the bonds between the two countries.

The Minister praised the Constitution of India which, he said, has elaborate provisions to protect the rights of ethnic and linguistic minorities.

He said that at a time when the elected representatives of the Parliament of Sri Lanka are in the process of drafting a new Constitution, he would wish that such provisions of the Indian Constitution are taken as guiding principles to be included in the new Constitution of Sri Lanka.

The gathering was also addressed by Ashroff Omar, CEO, Brandix Lanka, who has made large investment in India in the Brandix India Apparel City in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Omar spoke about his experiences while doing business in India and called upon the Diaspora to take advantage of the 'Make in India' initiative of the Government of India.

Kaushik Udeshi, President of GOPIO, also addressed the gathering and gave a brief historical account of the Indian Diaspora in Sri Lanka and the contributions made by them to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Sri Lanka and India.

Another highlight of the event was screening of short films on India's flagship programmes: 'Make in India', 'Smart Cities' and 'Digital India'.

(hcicolombo.org)