Celebrating 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and France

Economic and cultural ties between France and Sri Lanka will be strengthened further as the two countries commemorate the 7th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year said French French Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jean Francois Pactet recently at a press conference held at the Alliance Francaise in Colombo.

The celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries is an opportunity to highlight our long standing ties though the arts and bring in the best of French modern culture to Sri Lanka with a focus on visual arts, music and the cinema. We will also focus on economic ties and have planned several initiatives supporting the economy, and the progress of Sri Lanka said the Ambassador.

The press conference at the Alliance was well attended by officials of the French Embassy, Ministry official Sri Lankan Arline officials and many others.

Foreign Secretary, Aruni Wijewardena addressing the media said “Sri Lanka looks at enhancing co-operation with France to represent the interests of both countries while marking this historic milestone of diplomatic relations.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was established in 1948 October 27 and this milestone anniversary was highlighted by President Emmanuel Macron and President Ranil Wickremasinghe during their historical meeting in Sri Lanka, he is the first French President to visit Sri Lanka on July 28. The discussion between the two Presidents focussed on strengthening co-operation on various sectors including regional cooperation, climate change, maritime safety and security

The celebrations of the 75th anniversary began in Colombo with street art depicting French murals by a French artist Sandre at the Alliance Francaise in Colombo She did a beautiful wall art which was open to the public. It was followed by the Choose France Education Fair held recently attended by many visitors.There were many other anniversary commemoration events, there will be a gala evening on October 21 to celebrate many years of linguistic and cultural sharing between Sri Lanka and France.

“Toyo” a young audience circus is scheduled to be held with the Cie Less Colporteurs featuring French artists of the Cie Less Colporteurs who will conduct workshops for the schools and young audience on 26 and 27th October. ‘Midi Minuit’ and exhibition presenting 11 augmented reality posters and art prints by 11 young artists is to be conducted from 2 to 8 November where viewers can discover the posters in Motion downloading a free application onto their Smart-phones at the Alliance Francaise Colombo.