Sri Lanka and France will be celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year and to celebrate this special occasion, the two countries have planned several events that would strengthen ties on a political, bilateral, educational and cultural note. The 75th anniversary between the two allies was highlighted when French President Emmanuel Macron visited Sri Lanka – the first historic visit by a French President to Sri Lanka, in July this year.

Speaking at a media briefing to announce the events lined up to celebrate the 75th anniversary between the two countries, the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and Maldives Jean-François Pactet reiterated the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. It commended Sri Lanka for having shown great leadership on several global issues. He said that the events planned in line with the 75th anniversary will further strengthen the friendship between the two countries. In her comments, Foreign Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardane said that a number of events happened this year, taking this relationship between the two countries to a much stronger foundation.

“The historic visit of the French President to Sri Lanka in July this year cemented a number of elements. His Excellency the Ambassador was talking about how Sri Lanka and France connected historically in different ways. Now we are looking at this same relationship in the modern world. One of the common links that help us consolidate in the modern world is also the ocean. Historically, it was the ocean and today France’s identity is in the Indian Ocean. I’m surprised that 30% of France’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Ocean is in the Indian Ocean. During the French President’s visit, we decided that France would establish a school for maritime safety and security in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy and the Kotelawala Defence Academy.

We also decided that there will be a strengthening of cooperation in the education sector. This extends the interests I have had in francophone and connections to academic institutions at a higher level in France and Sri Lanka. We also agreed on having a regional office of Alliance Francaise de Development for South Asia established in Sri Lanka. Establishing a formal process of bilateral consultations in foreign offices in France and Sri Lanka to follow the progress of our activities was agreed upon.

In addition to the exchange of visits, President Wickremesinghe visited France on the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron to participate in the Global Dialogue on Financing for Development which is a subject supportive of countries such as Sri Lanka from President Macron’s own initiative to assist countries facing an economic crisis and debt difficulties. The Foreign Ministers met in Sweden and established links with each other. Apart from these activities, France as part of the Paris Club has been extremely helpful to Sri Lanka in the process of debt restructuring which is ongoing as we are trying to come out of the current economic crisis. This year we have had a number of areas in which we are looking at establishing closer relations with France.”

Although geographically distant, the two countries have been linked by an everlasting friendship. From its commitment to gifting the Airbuses currently being utilised in Sri Lanka’s national carrier SriLankan Airlines to the provision of drinking water facilities to its engagement in the tea, dairy, and apparel industries to education and energy sectors, apart from its cultural activities via the Alliance Française, indicate that France has in fact been a true friend of Sri Lanka.

To mark the 75th anniversary between the two countries, the French Embassy in Sri Lanka has planned a series of cultural events in order to pay tribute to the close cultural relations between Sri Lanka and France since 1948. With the support of many sponsors, this programme will bring the best of French modern culture, with a focus on visual and performing arts as well as cinema. The series of events commenced with French artist Sandre painting a mural at the Alliance Française de Colombo, a project which is part of the Wall Art Festival #3.

This was followed by the Choose France Education Fair, organized by Campus France Sri Lanka and the French Embassy which welcomed representatives of 13 French higher education institutions. The future event lineup is as follows

October 21 – Gala evening to celebrate the many years of linguistic and cultural sharing between France and Sri Lanka with a blend of French and Sri Lankan art and culinary traditions.

October 26 and 27 – ‘Toyo’, a young audience circus show with the Cie Les Colporteurs. ‘Toyo’ is a funny encounter between an acrobat and a contortionist.

November 2-8 – Novembre Numérique 2023 with ‘Midi- Minuit’ an exhibition which presents 11 augmented reality posters and art prints by 11 young artists.

November 9-16 – Young audience French animated movie festival which includes screenings of French animated movies and short movies.

November 18 – Music recital by the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka reflecting the cooperative relationship between the two countries with Sri Lankan musicians performing a selection of French composers.

November 29 – French Teachers’ Day. The Embassy of France and the network of Alliance Française in Sri Lanka have joined forces with the Association of Teachers of French to honour teachers of French during a day of meetings, training and celebrations.

December 1-10 – Tribute to Sri Lankan cinema – a sequence dedicated to Sri Lankan cinema with several events in Colombo. The occasion will pay tribute to Sumitra Peries, a leading figure in Sri Lankan cinema and a great friend of France.

December 14 – Intercultural event at the French school where students of the French School in Colombo will celebrate and showcase the best of Sri Lankan and French culture.

PICS BY Kithsiri De Mel