The 75th anniversary celebration of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, was held on May 30 at the Taj Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
As a recipient of an ICCR scholarship, the academic experience I received in India had a significant impact on my life. It was not merely structured education, it was a valuable opportunity to understand the depth and diversity of Indian etiquette, culture, and intellectual traditions. Moreover, the cultural relationship between Sri Lanka and India is deeply rooted.
The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) established in Colombo in 1998, has created a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, cooperation, and friendship between the two nations. Organizing over 300 cultural events annually including exhibitions, dance and music performances, conferences, yoga and Ayurveda sessions, and literary programs, this Centre plays a timely and vital role in strengthening the good relations between the two nations.
In just the past two years, six Sri Lankan cultural troupes have been invited to perform in India. These exchanges powerfully illustrate how cultural diplomacy can transcend borders and politics, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
I take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the scholarships provided to Sri Lankan students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in India. Notably, the Nehru Memorial, Rajiv Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Commonwealth), AYUSH, and Lata Mangeshkar scholarships stand out as some of the most prestigious and impactful scholarship programs.
More than 400 university professors in Sri Lanka (from fields including Ayurveda, humanities, and the arts) are alumni of ICCR, which is a strong testament to the importance of this relationship. Renowned artists such as Ananda Samarakoon, Nanda Malini, and Pradeep Ratnayake have also been part of this connection.
The ties between Sri Lanka and India are deeply intertwined through customs, history, religion, language, and culture and the architectural and artistic traditions shared by both nations has formed the foundation for continued cooperation in the past, present, and future.
The president Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated in the ICCR's Distinguished Visitors Program in India in February 2024. During the visit, discussions were held with senior Indian officials, including Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation. Moreover, the president Anura Kumara Dissanayake showed particular interest in India’s state-level IT sector in Kerala and the cooperative model in Gujarat during his visit.
This event was attended by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with other distinguished guests, vice chancellors, deans, students studying Indian languages and performing arts.
