CANADA DAY 2023 - message from the High Commissioner

Message from the High Commissioner of Canada on the Occasion of Canada Day
Colombo, July 1, 2023

Happy Canada Day! As High Commissioner to both Sri Lanka and Maldives, it gives me great
pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to all Canadians and friends of Canada working, traveling
or residing in this part of the world. On this special day, the 156 th anniversary of the Canadian
Confederation, the thoughts of Canadians around the world turn to home – a country known for its
breathtaking landscapes, multiculturalism, and unity in diversity – a vibrant society standing as a
beacon of inclusivity and progress. Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements and
contributions of the Canadian people, and reflect upon the values that have made Canada an
inspiration for many around the world.
Since my arrival in December, I have met Sri Lankans from various communities across the country
who have either travelled to Canada to further their education, to visit family and friends, or to
make it their home. The connections between our respective peoples run deep and I am pleased to
celebrate our national day among so many who have strong ties to my homeland. Canada has been a
steadfast partner to Sri Lanka over many decades. My drive down the Canada Friendship Road
upon first arriving in Colombo is but one example of our long partnership. I have also had the
pleasure of visiting Maldives twice in recent months, and it is heartening to observe our growing
collaboration firsthand. I was especially proud to see how Canadian seaplanes are contributing to
island connectivity in Maldives.
I am keenly aware that I started my tenure in Sri Lanka at a pivotal moment, in the midst of an
economic crisis of unprecedented severity. Canada has contributed to the relief of those hardest hit
by the effects of the crisis, and we continue to stand with Sri Lankans in their pursuit of economic
recovery. At the same time, we recognize this moment as an opportunity to foster genuine change,
so that Sri Lanka emerges from this crisis a more inclusive and prosperous society, prepared to meet
the future and achieve its true potential. As Canada continues to grapple with the hard truths of its
own past and to work with Indigenous peoples to address long-standing injustices, we remain ready
to draw upon our own experiences in support Sri Lanka’s efforts toward meaningful and lasting
national reconciliation.
Looking ahead, we have both new and long-standing priorities to focus on. In 2022, Canada
launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy to guide its international engagement and strengthen our ties with
people in the region. Amongst our priorities are the promotion of peace, resilience and security, as
well as building a sustainable and green future. As home to 20% of the world’s freshwater supply
and the world’s longest ocean coastline, Canada understands intrinsically the importance of
responsible environmental stewardship, including the protection of vital marine ecosystems. I know
that this is a particular concern shared by both Maldivians and Sri Lankans, made ever more pressing in the face of the formidable threats posed by climate change. We look forward to
continued collaboration and exchanges on these and other matters, given that the challenges we face
are best resolved by working together.
On this Canada Day, I hope Canadians around Sri Lanka and Maldives will find an opportunity to
proudly celebrate our diverse and vibrant country!