It gives me great pleasure to forward this message on the auspicious occasion of the commemoration of the SAARC Charter Day, which falls on the 8th of December.
Over two decades ago, on 8th December 1985, the Heads of State/Government of seven South Asian countries signed the Charter to establish the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It is therefore appropriate on this day to recall the objectives of the SAARC Charter, that commit seven member states and its people and Governments to work together towards finding solutions to our common challenges in a spirit of amity, mutual respect and cooperation.
SAARC has made steady growth from its beginnings as an organization that focused on specific technical areas, into a dynamic regional organization that has reached an agreement to establish a South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), which is the most impressive achievement by SAARC to date. It would lead to tangible benefits to the people of South Asia through enhanced economic activity and trade among the member countries.
Sri Lanka continues to remain committed to the SAARC process and attaches high priority to the promotion of people to people contact in the region to strengthen goodwill and foster better understanding.
I have no doubt that SAARC will continue to progress. The induction of Afghanistan, as the eight member of our Association and the endorsement of Observer Status of EU, Japan, China, Republic of Korea and USA at the next SAARC Summit would give further impetus to the Association. It also highlights the fact that in the current global climate of cooperation and enhanced interaction between nations, SAARC is becoming more relevant and more important than before.
On this occasion, let us recall the contribution made by the founders of the SAARC and re-dedicate ourselves to furthering its goals and objectives.