The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka celebrated their 75th Independence Anniversary on February 4, 2023 in Nairobi.
Dr. A. Korir SingOei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs attended the celebrations during which he delivered a speech on behalf of the Government of Kenya.
In his speech, the PS appreciated the High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri-Lanka for the invitation and on behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya sent warm salutation and best wishes to the Government and the People of Sri Lanka during the occasion.
He highlighted the existing warm cordial relations between the two countries bonded by shared values and aspirations. He noted that the relations between the two countries have indeed led to increased momentum in cooperation particularly around Trade, Climate Change and transfer of technology; a partnership which has resonated well with Kenya’s development aspirations as envisaged in Vision 2030 and Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Following President William Ruto’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees in Kenya by 2032, he informed that Kenya is encouraged that Sri Lanka has responded to this call. The Sri Lankan community’s gesture of planting 100,000 trees in the EPZ will go a long way in supporting Kenya’s effort geared towards mitigating effects of climate change and global warming.
His attendance at the event is one that affirmed Kenya and Sri Lanka’s shared values as members of commonwealth & Indian Ocean Rim as well as the growing bilateral economic relations especially in textiles and tea.
The PS concluded by wishing Sri Lanka, a year of peace, prosperity and brotherhood among all ethnicities and cultures.