The Government and people of Sri Lanka join me in extending warm felicitations to the people of South Asia, as we commemorate the 30^th Anniversary of the SAARC Charter Day on 8^th December.

Our region is characterized by diverse cultures, ethnic groups, religions and languages nurturing over centuries the finest works of philosophy, arts & culture, music, dance, attire and cuisine.  Common civilizational links bind us through values of unity and tolerance.  SAARC’s strength is in its diversity and harmonious coexistence.

Sri Lanka, as a founding member, attributes high importance to the purposes and principles of the SAARC Charter. Since its establishment in 1985, the SAARC process has grown from strength to strength based on our shared values, beliefs and objectives. The regional will to cooperate in many important areas under the framework of SAARC has manifested itself in a number of landmark developments. This has served to provide greater stimulus and vitality to the SAARC process. The recent Eighteenth SAARC Summit held in Kathmandu, Nepal was yet another significant milestone in the progress of the SAARC process for the overall growth of the region through partnership with peoples.  

As we observe the SAARC Charter Day this year, it is important to take cognizance of the fact that our achievements over the last three decades within SAARC have been below the region’s full potential. There is a reservoir of political will amongst us Member States. I therefore reiterate my call that we break through the shackles of bureaucracy and pursue a co-operative, action-oriented path, thus leading SAARC towards a framework for more robust cooperation which would result in tangible benefit to the people of South Asia.

In pursuance of our common endeavour, I reiterate Sri Lanka’s firm support to the work of SAARC in taking forward the objectives of the Organization in a spirit of collective responsibility.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

President