English: ​Colombo, Sri Lanka - ​The Indonesian Embassy in Colombo, together with the representative offices of ASEAN countries in Sri Lanka, celebrated the 56th "ASEAN Day" at the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo. The President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, was present as the guest of honor. (8/8 )

"The 56th "ASEAN Day" activity was also attended by the Speaker of the Parliament and members of the Sri Lankan Parliament, and Cabinet Ministers, Heads of Representatives of friendly countries, Chief of Staff to the President of Sri Lanka, Commander of the Armed Forces, Army Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Indonesia, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lankan Air Force, religious figures, businessmen and representatives of the ASEAN community in Sri Lanka," said Heru Prayitno, Minister Counselor of the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo.

In her speech, the Indonesian Ambassador, Dewi Gustina Tobing, on behalf of the Heads of Representatives of ASEAN countries said that "ASEAN Day" began when on August 8 1967, five Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Southeast Asia region, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore , and Thailand, met in Bangkok, Thailand, to sign the document establishing ASEAN. Since then, ASEAN has succeeded in building the Southeast Asia region as an economically, politically and culturally integrated region.

Ambassador Dewi also said that as Chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia is carrying the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth". With this theme, ASEAN countries will ensure that ASEAN continues to strengthen its central role (ASEAN Centrality) and become a significant center of growth for the Southeast Asian community and the world, as well as the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific concept. "ASEAN will also continue to cooperate with Sri Lanka," explained Ambassador Dewi.

In his remarks, President Ranil praised the development and central role of ASEAN, and expressed Sri Lanka's desire to establish closer cooperation with ASEAN, considering the strong historical ties between Sri Lanka and Southeast Asian countries.

The President of Sri Lanka also emphasized that his government would build closer cooperation with ASEAN in the political, economic and socio-cultural fields, and expressed Sri Lanka's desire to join RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership).

In addition, the President of Sri Lanka expressed the Sri Lankan Government's commitment to supporting the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific concept and hoped for an increase in trade, investment and tourists from ASEAN countries which would be beneficial for Sri Lanka's economic development.

ASEAN countries in their respective capital cities, including the Representative Office of ASEAN countries in Colombo, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, annually carry out activities to commemorate "ASEAN Day."

ASEAN, since its formation, has succeeded in building the Southeast Asia region as an economically, politically and culturally integrated region while still upholding the principle of maintaining ASEAN centrality in its relations with external partners.​

The commemoration of the 56th "ASEAN Day" consisted of two activities, namely the raising of the ASEAN flag carried out by three personnel from the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo and combined with a reception where all invited guests could enjoy typical food from ASEAN countries, including market snacks provided by the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo. "The Indonesian Ambassador also had the opportunity to take a photo with the President of Sri Lanka in front of the miniature Borobudur temple located in the courtyard of the Indonesian Embassy in Colombo," concluded Heru.