Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has dedicated his entire life for the welfare of the people of Bangladesh.
Speaking as the chief guest at a function at the National Parade Ground on Friday (March 19) afternoon, he said, "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a principled man who dedicated his entire life for the Bengali people, their language and their welfare."
The event was organized on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence.
Presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the function was also addressed by Cultural Minister KM Khalid and Dhaka University Professor Dr. Syed Manjurul Islam.
Expressing deep respect to Bangabandhu, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka said that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was determined to continue his freedom struggle for the formation of a new nation in 1971.
Rajapaksa said, ‘Unfortunately he could not realize his cherished dream. I can understand the great loss that happened on August 15, 1975. On that day, the country lost a hero, the father of independence. '
He said that despite these obstacles, Bangladesh has continued its development under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This is the best respect for Bangabandhu.
Recalling the historical ties between the two neighbors, Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the new People's Republic of Bangladesh in 1971.
"We need to make the new generation aware of the immense sacrifices made by their forefathers to achieve independence in the 21st century with great aspirations for Asian prosperity," he said.
He said Sri Lanka has always stood by Bangladesh to ensure greater independence and prosperity as a neighbor and close friend.
Referring to Bangabandhu, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka said that the objective of economic transformation of both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is to achieve the goal of poverty alleviation and development.
He said Bangladesh's proposal to develop a blue economy in the Bay of Bengal has consistently inspired our vision of maritime affairs.
Noting that Bangladesh is considered as one of the emerging economic powerhouses in South Asia, Rajapaksa said Bangladesh is an important trade and investment partner for his country.
Noting that Bangladesh's success in agriculture has attracted Sri Lanka, he said Bangladesh has continued to build training and capacity to this end.
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka extended his best wishes to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her government and the people of Bangladesh.