The Iranian Embassy held a special ceremony to mark the 39th anniversary of victory of the Islamic Revolution while the Sri Lankan High Commission celebrated the 70th anniversary of the country’s freedom.

Minister of Communication and Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha was the chief guest at the Iranian function held at the embassy premises in Lutyen’s Delhi, days before President Hassan Rouhani’s maiden visit to India. The event was attended by a large number of Delhi-based diplomats, Indian officials, Islamic scholars, businessmen and journalists.

Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Ambassador to India Gholamreza Ansari referred to his country’s achievements in various areas in the post-revolution era despite challenges and hostilities the country has been facing. He noted that 39 years ago a new page was opened in the thousand-year history of Iran and a new type of popular governance based on vote and determination of people and true virtues of the religion of Islam came to existence, replacing the imperial system in the country. “Iran has managed to leave behind the destructive consequences of an eight-year war as well as numerous other impediments like 38 years of sanctions to create a safe and secure and still progressing country,” he added.

On Iran-India relations, Ansari said the two nations enjoy strong ties. He also spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to Iran in 2016. ”The thrust is on cooperation in the fields of energy, mines, metals and connectivity structures between our two countries.” He hoped that trade ties between the two countries would further consolidate in the coming years.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi organised two events to celebrate the anniversary of independence. The official ceremony in the morning of 4 February commenced with the hoisting of the national flag in the backdrop of the sound of the ceremonial drums (Magul Bera). Following the rendering of the National Anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil, religious dignitaries representing all four religions in Sri Lanka ~ Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity ~ blessed the country, the leaders and the people of Sri Lanka.

In her address, High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara India said was the closest neighbour of her country and relations between the two nations span a multitude of areas. At the end of the formal event two brief Sri Lankan dance items were performed by the Olaboduwa dance troupe from Sri Lanka, adding colour to the event.

On 6 February, a reception for around 800 guests was hosted for political dignitaries, senior government officials of India, members of the diplomatic corps, eminent business leaders, other special invitees and members of the Sri Lankan community at the residence of the High Commissioner.

The chief guest at the event was Minister of Law and Justice and Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad.