Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the multi-sectoral bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will further be strengthened in the days to come. "In recent years, our bilateral cooperation has widened, and I have the conviction that it would grow even more through multi-pronged sectoral cooperation particularly in agriculture, trade, shipping, people-to-people ties, and tourism for mutual benefit of our two peoples," she said.

The Prime Minister said this in a video message at a virtual programme marking historic occasion of the Golden Jubilee of recognition of Bangladesh by Sri Lanka.  She added: "The last fifty years have provided a solid foundation for our partnership and I am confident that we will be working together for building prosperous and peaceful region next fifty years and beyond."

The Premier that Bangladesh is very happy that Sri Lanka remained as a trusted friend and partner in the two countries’ common endeavours. Sheikh Hasina said "I convey on behalf of the Government, the people of Bangladesh and my own behalf,   warmest felicitations and best wishes to you and through you, to the friendly people of Sri Lanka."

The Prime Minister said on the 4th March 1972, Sri Lanka recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign and independent country. "The early recognition by Sri Lanka provided the newly emergent country with much valued support. Since then, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been enjoying cordial bonds of friendship based on our historical linkages, mutual respect, multiple commonalities and spirit of good neighbourliness," she opined.

The Prime Minister recalled with gratitude of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's visit to Bangladesh to join the twin mega celebrations of the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh last year.

Sheikh Hasina said that instilled with the spirit of Bangladesh’s glorious War of Liberation and the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the resilient and indomitable people of Bangladesh have attained significant socio-economic success during the last 13 years.

"We deeply value Sri Lanka’s partnership in our incredible journey towards attainment of socio-economic emancipation," she said. In the message, the Prime Minister wishes good health, happiness, peace, and prosperity for her Sri Lankan  counterpart and for the friendly people of Sri Lanka, saying, "Long live Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Friendship."