SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo celebrates 35th SAARC Charter Day

By Aysha Maryam Cassim

As an organisation in one of the fastest-growing economic regions of the world, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) embodies the collective desire of the people and governments of South Asia to work together to promote peace, stability, amity and progress in the region through strict adherence to the principles of sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity. 

The SAARC since its inception has sought to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia through the strengthening of self-reliance and mutual assistance.

On 8 December 1985 at the first SAARC Summit held in Dhaka, the leaders of the Seven South Asian Countries: Maldives, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka signed a contract to establish the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). 

Every year, to mark this day, special commemorative events are held in each member state, reaffirming their strong commitment towards the organisation in supporting the upliftment of the lives of millions in South Asia.

SAARC Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka celebrated the 35th Charter Day at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo on 8 December 2019. The occasion brought together dignitaries from embassies and high commissions, Government officials, resident Ambassadors, civil society representatives and distinguished guests. 

In her welcome address, SAARC Cultural Centre Director D.K.R Ekanayake shared a moment to take the attendees through their achievements of 2019 in raising awareness in cultural development and strengthening the understanding of sustainable bilateral relationships.

Issuing a special message, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa extended his warm greetings from the Government of Sri Lanka to the member states of the SAARC. Sending a message, he stated that the Charter day allows us to recall the contributions made by our Founders and rededicate ourselves to further our common goals and objectives. 

“We have much to share with the world in terms of art, culture, philosophy and religion. Sri Lanka attributes high importance to the principles and purposes of the SAARC Charter which aims to promote peace, stability, amity and progress in the region.”

Furthermore, he mentioned that despite progress, certain challenges continue to impact the regional relations. To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the corporate mechanism, the President said that it is essential that the organisation is steered towards new avenues and alliances in the future. 

SAARC Secretary-General Amjad Hussain B. Sial in his message conveyed that strenuous inter-governmental efforts are currently underway to attain effective regional integration and economic prosperity. 

“We have considered three main agreements between member states in the sectors of Motor Vehicles, Railways and Air Services.”

Addressing the gathering present on the occasion, Chief Guest Ministry of Foreign Relations Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha said that as we cherish the commonalities and historical affinities, member countries must address the evolving movements to make the organisation more relevant. He asserted that there is a greater need to extend energy and effort into practice courses of action to uplift the lives of the less-privileged fulfilling the objectives in the Charter.

Over the years, SAARC Cultural Centres of member states have made commendable strides in placing the mechanism for greater cooperation and regional integration. The SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo with the support of the member states and the SAARC Secretariat will continue to act as a platform for intercultural understanding and respect for cultural diversity in the South Asian region.