Address from Ambassador Ratne D. Senanayake

Today, Sri Lanka celebrates 50 years of Independence. In the history of a nation this may seem but a brief moment. Yet soon against the backdrop of modern colonial history from Asia through Africa to Latin America, 50 years is a relatively long time. Sri Lanka achieved independence earlier than most third world countries which now sit as independent nations in the world assemblies.

It took Sri Lanka nearly 450 years to regain its lost freedom. Admittedly our freedom was won without bloodshed and was gained through evolution rather than revolution. Whichever way independence is achieved, through dialog or revolutionary struggle each nation values its own freedom.

We all are aware that Sri Lanka and Indonesia share a rich cultural heritage derived from Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. Both countries have experienced colonial rule which has given new dimensions to the character that is reflected in their laws and practices.

From the time both countries emerged as independent states, they have been working closely together striving for the realization of the ideals they both cherish, namely peace, independence, sovereignty, peaceful co-existence, non- interference in the internal affairs of other states, mutual benefits and social justice.

Sri Lanka and Indonesia have worked together to achieve this at the first conference of Asian Prime Ministers' held in Colombo in April 1954, the Bogor Conference in December 1954 and at the historic Bandung Conference in April 1955 which led to the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement. Both countries have played active roles in the NAM and have also held the chairmanship of the NAM.

Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations with Indonesia in 1950 and since then bilateral relations between the two countries in the political, economical, commercial and cultural fields have been very close and cordial. These cultural relations have a history of several centuries. The Borobudur Buddhist Temple built by King Samaratunga of the Silendra dynasty in the seventh century A.D., which is a sacred place for many Sri Lankans, is a symbol that culturally links both people.

Several heads of states and ministers have exchanged visits during the last four decades. Significant of such visits are the visit of Hon. Srimavo R.D. Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, to Indonesia in January 1976, visit of H.E. Soeharto, President of Indonesia, to Sri Lanka in November 1979, visits by Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, to Indonesia in April 1995 and June 1996 and the current visit by H.E. Ali Alatas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, to attend Sri Lanka's Golden Jubilee Celebrations to be held in Colombo on Feb. 4, 1998. These visits have no doubt strengthened bilateral relations

The volume of trade between Sri Lanka and Indonesia has increased rapidly within the last 5 to 10 years. Sri Lanka's exports which were Rs 74.4 million in 1991 increased to Rs 822.1 million in 1995, while imports from Indonesia have increased from Rs 1,700.7 million in 1991 to Rs 6,038.5 million in 1996. The major items that are exported from Sri Lanka are precious and semi precious stones, machinery and mechanical appliances and woven fabrics. As far as imports from Indonesia are concerned, the major items are staple fiber, paper and paper board, cotton fabrics, glassware and chemical fertilizers.

Sri Lanka and Indonesia have signed several agreements, namely Agreement of Economic and Technical Cooperation, Agreement Concerning Protection and Promotion of Investments, Double Taxation Relief Convention and Memorandum of Understanding on Information and Broadcasting, with a view to enhancing economic cooperation and to promote trade and investment between the two countries.

Let us hope that our countries soon overcome the problems we face today and march forward to the next millennium.