SAARC Cultural Centre Celebrates 40th SAARC Charter Day

Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed the SAARC Charter on 8th December 1985 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Since then, each year, SAARC Charter Day is celebrated across all Member States, Regional Centres and Specialized Bodies of SAARC affirming their unwavering support and commitment to the SAARC process of promoting the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improving their quality of life through regional cooperation in mutually agreed areas.

 

This year’s Charter Day of the SAARC Cultural Centre was celebrated on 8th December 2024 at Sofia City Hotel Colombo, with the attendance of dignitaries from High Commissions and Embassies of SAARC Member States in Colombo. On invitation of Director, SAARC Cultural Centre, Ms. R.S. Khan Azard, Additional Secretary graced the occasion as the Chief Guest representing the Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Government of Sri Lanka.

 

Mrs. Renuka Ekanayake, Director, SAARC Cultural Centre in her welcome address stated that SAARC Charter Day reminds us of the shared vision that brought our nations together, the vision of a South Asia where cooperation transcends boundaries and where unity prevails over division.

Felicitation messages from H.E. the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and the Secretary General of SAARC- H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar were read out at the gathering. Dr. B.D. Nandadeva delivered the guest speech highlighting on the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage both tangible and intangible and avenues to be exploited and explored for the mutual benefit of all Member States of SAARC. Other Government dignitaries, former Secretary General of SAARC, Mr.  Esala Weerakoon and all SAARC Cultural Centre officials were also present at the occasion.