[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 20 (Thursday, February 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF SRI LANKA'S INDEPENDENCE FEBRUARY 
                                4, 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 1999

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my warmest 
congratulations to the Honorable Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga 
(President of Sri Lanka), her government, and the people of the 
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on the occasion of the 51st 
anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence.
  Sri Lanka is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. This unique 
country has an extensive and rich history, dating back to its 
flourishing civilization of the 2nd century B.C. Throughout the years, 
Sri Lanka has developed its economy based on its agriculture, 
cultivation of semi-precious stones, and manufacturing industries.
  Although Sri Lanka experienced invasions and rule by the Portuguese, 
Dutch, and British, Sri Lanka regained independence through a peaceful 
and constitutional process in 1948. After 51 years of independence, Sri 
Lanka has emerged as a key South Asian country committed to democracy, 
free market economics, and sound social and development policy.
  Bi-lateral relations between the U.S. and Sri Lanka have always been 
strong. To date, Sri Lanka exports nearly $1.5 billion worth of goods 
to the U.S. and the U.S. exports nearly $370 million worth of goods to 
Sri Lanka. Trade and investment between the U.S. and Sri Lanka continue 
to grow, with some of the largest business links with Sri Lanka 
including companies such as Coca-Cola, Motorola, IBM and Hilton, to 
name a few.
  The formation and development of the Congressional Caucus on Sri 
Lanka and Sri Lankan-Americans will lead to increased constructive and 
educated dialogue between the U.S. and Sri Lanka. This will ensure 
progress between the two countries and the opportunity for Congress to 
gain greater knowledge and education about Sri Lanka.
  As Sri Lanka celebrates 51 years of freedom, this is a wonderful 
opportunity for us to pay tribute to all of her national heroes and 
freedom fighters who fought for independence. I am also happy to extend 
my congratulations to the approximately 100,000 Sri Lankans in the 
U.S., whose communities have made economic and social impacts 
throughout various cities across the U.S.
  Sri Lanka's rich history of over 2500 years, and its tremendous 
progress as a nation in 51 years alone, proves Sri Lanka's strength and 
tremendous potential for the 21st century and years to come. Again. I 
join in commemoration of Sri Lanka's 51st year of independence and I 
look forward to working with the Congressional Caucus on Sri Lanka and 
Sri Lankan Americans, the Sri Lankan community in the U.S., and the 
government of Sri Lanka.

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