I am delighted to convey my warm greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day. 

Three decades ago, our countries established SAARC with the conviction that regional co-operation among countries of South Asia is mutually beneficial, desirable and necessary for promoting the welfare and improving the quality of life of the people of our region.  Since then, SAARC has witnessed steady progress in a wide range of areas identified for co-operation and we can take some pride on our achievements since 1985.  Nevertheless, our regular assessment of SAARC has prompted us to appreciate the need for making the organization more result oriented and people centric. The declaration “Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity”, of the 18^th SAARC Summit, in fact reflects this collective desire and provides a road map for our forward movement. 

Sri Lanka remains fully committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter and will continue to play a constructive role as in the past. I reiterate our fullest support to SAARC in its efforts of promoting and fostering regional cooperation in South Asia. 

As we commemorate this important milestone of the SAARC Charter Day, let us resolve to redouble our efforts to make the organization, a more dynamic entity.

(Prof.) G.L. Peiris, M.P.

Minister of External Affairs

08^th December 2014