By: Isuru Parakrama
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka commemorated the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi yesterday (02) with a ceremonial event at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo.
The occasion saw Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha paying homage to Gandhi by garlanding his statue, a symbolic gesture highlighting the enduring legacy of the Indian leader’s philosophy of peace and non-violence.
The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted by India in 2019 to mark his 150th birth anniversary, stands at 42 inches tall and portrays Gandhi in a meditative pose.
Crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the statue is a testament to Gandhi’s profound influence on global leaders and movements.
Sutar, a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award, is also credited with creating the world’s tallest bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat, India.
Following the tribute ceremony, the Indian High Commissioner met with Prime Minister Amarasuriya to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
The commemoration was also accompanied by a Gandhi Oration, organised by the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) in partnership with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission.
Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Austin Fernando, delivered the oration, which delved into the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings in today’s world.
The annual event, part of the celebrations for Gandhi Jayanti, continues to serve as an important platform for reflecting on the powerful messages of truth, justice, and non-violence that Gandhi espoused, and how they continue to resonate amidst modern global challenges.
