• Rajapaksa expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude to India for its support during times of crisis, particularly during Sri Lanka’s economic difficulties in 2022
• Describing the Odisha state as a symbol of how culture, identity and modernity can coexist and reinforce each other.

Namal highlights India–Sri Lanka ties, youth leadership at India’s 77th Republic Day event

HATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA 

Bhubaneswar, January 26 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa underscored the importance of responsible leadership, regional solidarity and youth-driven change while addressing the 77th Republic Day of India celebrations at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Leadership is not a position. It is a responsibility. It is a process of influencing others to achieve shared goals,” Rajapaksa said, speaking to students and academics at the event.

Commending KIIT and the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Rajapaksa said the institutions were shaping public-spirited young leaders not only in technology and innovation, but also in sports. He pointed to the institutions’ achievements at the Khelo India University Games and the World University Games as evidence of their holistic approach to education.

Rajapaksa expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude to India for its support during times of crisis, particularly during Sri Lanka’s economic difficulties in 2022 and assistance extended following Cyclone Ditwa. He thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for standing by Sri Lanka during challenging moments.

Emphasizing regional cooperation, he said solidarity in South Asia was not merely a slogan but a practical necessity to overcome adversity and rebuild stronger, more stable societies. Highlighting Odisha’s global recognition for disaster resilience, he noted its advancements in early warning systems, evacuation planning and community empowerment, adding that Sri Lanka had much to learn as climate change-related shocks become an increasing reality.

Reflecting on Odisha’s contribution to India, Rajapaksa cited national leaders such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, former President V. V. Giri and current President Droupadi Murmu, describing the state as a symbol of how culture, identity and modernity can coexist and reinforce each other.

He also recalled the significance of India’s Republic Day, noting that the declaration of Poorna Swaraj in 1930 and the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 enshrined justice, liberty, equality and fraternity in the hands of citizens. Drawing attention to the deep historical and cultural links between India and Sri Lanka, he referred to shared legends such as the Ram–Ravana narrative and common passions including cricket, which continue to bind the two nations.

Addressing regional geopolitics, Rajapaksa said the Indian Ocean region was gaining strategic importance amid shifting global power dynamics. He warned against approaches based on dominance or dependency, calling instead for shared understanding, responsibility and prosperity to ensure stability and collective growth.

Concluding his address, Rajapaksa urged young people across Odisha, Sri Lanka and the wider region to ground their leadership in competence, character and courage. He stressed that slogans without delivery would fail, power without ethics would lead to exploitation, and courage would be essential to face future challenges related to poverty, employment, technology and national dignity.