Sri Lanka and Indonesia have a long history of relations dating back thousands of years, even before the two countries existed as we know them today.

“Seventy years is but a short period in the life of a nation that lays claim to more than 2,500 years of meticulously recorded history,” Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia Dharshana M. Perera said in a speech to commemorate the 70th anniversary of his country’s Independence Day and the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Indonesia.

“During these six and a half decades, Sri Lanka and Indonesia have been partners in the Colombo Powers, African Asian Solidarity and the Bandung Process, which gave birth to the Non-Aligned Movement,” he added.

Sri Lanka gained independence from the British Empire on Feb. 4, 1948, while diplomatic ties with Indonesia started in 1952.

Before that, the two countries had actually been linked since the time of the Sriwijaya Kingdom in the 7th century, Perera said. That was evidenced by the 8th century Abhayagiri inscription at Ratu Boko temple in Yogyakarta, he said. It could also be seen in the similarities of the two countries. Among other things, both ate food like curry and, as if to illustrate that, guests at the ceremony were served 10 mouthwatering Sri Lankan dishes, which had been prepared for three days by a Sri Lankan chef.

Perera said the two countries cooperated well. In economics, Sri Lanka’s investments in Indonesia amount to more than US$600 million. Meanwhile, the value of trade between Indonesia and Sri Lanka was growing and from January to November in 2017 had reached $314.7 million, according to data from Indonesia’s Trade Ministry.

“I am convinced that with the elevation of our engagement in all fields and our shared values and vision for the future, the relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka have the real potential of blossoming into something of notable excellence,” Perera said.

Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimoeljono, who was the guest of honor, underlined that the common history could be seen in road names in both countries.

“The strength of our relations is also reflected in modern days. We can find Java Lane in Colombo and vice versa; there is also Jl. Colombo in Yogyakarta […] where I used to live during my college years,” Basuki recalled.

He said the strong ties have recently been marked by a high level of interaction. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo made Sri Lanka the first stop of his South Asian trip in late January. Jokowi visited Sri Lanka on Jan. 24 and 25 and had extensive economic discussions with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The visit resulted the signing of agreements about search and rescue, higher education, research and technology and cooperation against drug trafficking.

Among other things, Jokowi expressed Indonesia’s interest in contributing to Sri Lanka’s development, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity.

Popular

Tiny homes for young urbanites draw criticism over livability

Rare bird sightings highlight Jakarta Naturalist Walk exploration on urban biodiversity

Bali flights canceled after Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano eruption