Sri Lanka has and will always appreciate, the solidarity shown by Turkey in Sri Lanka's fight against the menace of terrorism. This close affinity has been a telling feature in our bilateral relations, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Ankara, Turkey on December 2 at the Banquet hosted in his honour by the President of Turkey.

The President also expressed hope that candid exchanges and the Agreements that were concluded during his visit will contribute to turning a new leaf in the story of solidarity between Sri Lanka and Turkey. He also thanked the government and people of Turkey for the quick response and assistance extended to Sri Lanka in December 2004, when the devastating tsunami hit our shores.

The text of President Rajapaksa's Speech:

Your Excellency Abdullah Gul, the President of the Republic of Turkey& Madam Gul, Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It indeed is a pleasure, and an honour, to be with you and Madam Gul this evening, enjoying your most gracious hospitality. The warm welcome accorded to me, my wife and my delegation by the Government of Turkey and its people has made us feel at home in this beautiful country which is steeped in history.

Learning history as a child, I vividly remember my fascination with the power of the Ottoman Empire, and its capital, now the glorious city of Istanbul, considered a meeting point of culture, commerce and history. I look forward to the visit to Istanbul which will no doubt put in perspective my study of that great city. The Republic of Turkey has moved to the forefront and taken its rightful place as a prominent member of the global community. Undoubtedly, Mr. President, you and your people must take immense pride at Turkey being a cradle of civilization and with a blend of the East and West, I believe Turkey and Sri Lanka are very similar in this respect. Sri Lanka is also home to an ancient civilisation. Having been a centre point in the Silk Route of the sea between the East and West, its culture and society are a melting pot of different religious, racial and cultural influences. In the same manner, it is well-known that the Ottoman Empire controlled the Spice Route. It is therefore, a joy to foster age old ties that we have enjoyed with your country.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Our peoples have enjoyed what I would like to term as historically "traditional goodwill", which has stood the test of time. I am proud to state that my visit to Turkey is just beginning, to be a part of that history. I am confident that this visit will have a special place in the annals of our bilateral relationship, as it happens to be the first State visit to Turkey by a leader of Sri Lanka. I will always remember this "first", with much sentimentality. The cordial atmosphere in which we held our most fruitful and constructive discussions today, epitomises the kind of important milestone this visit will be, in our friendship and bilateral relations, in the years to come. I am confident that our candid exchanges and the Agreements, that we concluded will contribute to turning a new leaf in the story of solidarity between Sri Lanka and Turkey, thus taking our relations to a new high.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Sri Lanka and Turkey share similarities in values, ideals and concerns. We both have demonstrated a great degree of consistency in defending and upholding the democratic rights of our peoples. Our two countries actively participate in regional and international fora. We have found common ground on many an issue, and have worked in close cooperation on matters of mutual interest. We have very well understood each others' concerns. In this context, let me place on record that Sri Lanka has and will always appreciate, the solidarity shown by Turkey in Sri Lanka's fight against the menace of terrorism. This close affinity has been a telling feature in our bilateral relations, considering the threat of terrorism posed to Turkey.

I take this opportunity to personally thank you, the government and people of Turkey for the quick response and assistance extended by Turkey to Sri Lanka in December 2004, when a devastating tsunami hit our shores. We, and especially the survivors of that unfortunate catastrophe who have benefited by Turkish assistance including the building of 450 housing units with a medical centre and all other facilities, hold Turkey and its people a deep debt of gratitude for their generosity and concern in that dark hour of need.

We in Sri Lanka have been witnessing with great admiration the socio economic progress of Turkey, its vibrant and significant strides towards progress and prosperity, while forming constructive partnerships with the community of nations. Sri Lanka will continue to support Turkey, as it has done over the years. I am confident that together, we can explore many new vistas to further deepen our bilateral cooperation, for the benefit of our peoples, in the years ahead. With that hope, let me reassure Your Excellency, and the people of Turkey, today from this historic city of Ankara, the unwavering friendship, solidarity and goodwill of Sri Lanka and its people.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, May I now request you to join me in a toast for the:

Good health and happiness of His Excellency Abdulla Gul, President of the Republic of Turkey and Madam Gul; and in prosperity and progress of the people of Turkey.

Long live Sri Lanka - Turkey friendship!