Sri Lanka, Jan. 26 -- I extend warm greetings to the friendly people of Sri Lanka and all Indians residing in this beautiful country on the occasion of the 72nd Republic Day of India. It was on 26 January 1950 that the world's largest written Constitution entered into force into a newly independent India and transformed the young nation into a Republic. As a fellow South Asian democracy and our closest maritime neighbour, Sri Lanka has been a consistent partner of the Indian people and society. Our common heritage, of which Buddhism is a core element, reflects our cultural similarities and millennia old people-to-people ties.

Today, we are fortunate to have strong leaders guiding our destinies. As a result, I feel extremely positive abou...