MANILA, Philippines – Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day on Friday. This holiday is marked with great fervor and enthusiasm and begins with the hoisting of the national flag and singing of the national anthem. Other activities during Independence Day include parades, ceremonies, pageants, and other events sponsored by the government and private organizations.

Over a period of 2,500 years, the island was known by a variety of names. The ancient Greeks and Romans knew Sri Lanka as "Taprobane." Arab writers and sailors in olden days knew Sri Lanka as "Serendip." According to the Sri Lankan historical tradition, "Lanka" was the original name of the island. It was in use for centuries until the European invasions in the 15th century. During the British period (1815-1948), the island was popularly known as "Ceylon." This name was used even after the country gained independence in 1948. With the adoption of the New Constitution in 1972, the traditional name "Sri Lanka" (Resplendent Island) was adopted, in keeping with the rich and varied culture of the nation. Colombo is the country's largest city.

The country is famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber, and cinnamon. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka's tropical forests, beaches, and landscape, as well as its rich cultural heritage, make it a world-famous tourist destination.

Relations between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, which commenced in 1951, have always been cordial and friendly. Over the years, bilateral agreements relating to trade, air transport, and cultural cooperation, and an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes and Income have been concluded. Sri Lanka and the Philippines have striven for joint interaction in the economic field by identifying areas that can be promoted for mutual benefit. Sri Lanka has taken part in a number of exhibitions and fairs on trade, industry, and tourism in Manila, Cebu, and Davao cities.

We congratulate the people and government of Sri Lanka led by Their Excellencies, President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, and its Embassy in the Philippines, headed by H.E., Ambassador Nawalage Bennet Cooray, on the occasion of the 63rd Anniversary of their Independence. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.