Sri Lankan government has thanked India for conferring Padma Shri award on two of their citizens, Dr. Vajira Chitrasena and late Prof. Indra Dassanayake.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a message that it is an honour to have two daughters of Sri Lanka, pioneers in their fields, being awarded with one of the highest civilian awards in India. He congratulated Dr. Chitrasena for being awarded on the occasion of 71st republic day of India.
Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena also mentioned it in his address at the reception held at Indian house in Colombo last evening to mark Republic day celebrations.
Dr. Vajira Chitrasena is considered a living legend of Sri Lankan dance at the age of 87. She has contributed to enriching India-Sri Lanka relations through the promotion of dance and blending the art forms of both countries especially the Kandyan and Odissi dance forms.
Late Professor Indra Dassanayake was one of the pioneers to introduce and promote Hindi language in educational institutions of Sri Lanka. Because of her efforts, Hindi is taught in more than 80 institutions and schools of Sri Lanka apart from six major universities at present.
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