Editor’s Note: The following column is based on excerpts from a speech delivered by Semih Lütfü Turgut, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, on the occasion of the National Day Reception marking the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, held on 29 October 2025 in Colombo.
On this day in 1923, October 29, our nation took a bold step into modernity, guided by the vision of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who famously said, “Peace at Home, Peace in the World.”
A century later, we still find that advice remarkably relevant, and his legacy continues to inspire generations with the values of sovereignty, independence, secularism, progress, and dignity under the leadership of President Erdoğan.
On the global stage, Türkiye has continued to play a proactive role and has demonstrated a notably principled stance on international relations, balancing diplomacy with strategic engagement across regions.
In remarkable acts of diplomacy, we have helped to solve some, not all, problems in our region, proving once again that our coffee may be strong, but our mediation skills are even stronger.
Türkiye has taken principled stances, including the suspension of trade with Israel in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Türkiye, together with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Indonesia, welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war in Gaza.
We, I mean the international community, should provide relief to the war-torn Gaza and hope for the Palestinian people.
Our decisions reflect our enduring commitment to justice, sovereignty, and human dignity.
As we look ahead, Türkiye remains focused on economic reform, technological innovation, and inclusive governance.
Our engagement with the European Union and European countries in general continues to be both constructive and candid. Like any long-term relationship, it has its ups and downs, but we are still talking, and that is what counts.
Here in Sri Lanka, we are proud of the growing partnership between our two nations; from trade and tourism to education and cultural exchange, our cooperation continues to expand.
We look forward to building new bridges, figuratively, and perhaps even literally, if infrastructure cooperation allows.
Over the past year, our two nations have taken meaningful strides to deepen bilateral engagement.
We have established Parliamentary Friendship Associations both in Türkiye and Sri Lanka at our respective parliaments.
In July 2025, a high-level dialogue, the 3rd Joint Economic and Trade Commission Meeting, was convened in Colombo, bringing together senior representatives from both governments to chart a strategic roadmap for bilateral trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation.
In the realm of defense, the visit of the Turkish Navy’s TCG Büyükada to the Port of Colombo marked a significant maritime cooperation.
The ship’s arrival was warmly received by Sri Lankan officials and underscored the importance of naval engagement in fostering mutual understanding and regional security.
Equally important has been the cultural dimension of our relationship.
In May, we hosted the Anadolu University Symphony Orchestra String Quartet for a chamber music concert, where pieces by Russian composer Alexander Glazunov and Turkish composer Ulvi Cemal Erkin were performed.
Moreover, we organized the Turkish Breakfast Day event in June at my residence.
And, I am confident that most of you have already been convinced that Turkish cuisine is not just food, it is a diplomatic tool.
Last year, our National Day reception highlighted Istanbul; this year, we turn to Cappadocia.
Renowned for its surreal landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and centuries-old churches carved into volcanic rock, Cappadocia embodies Türkiye’s timeless heritage and cultural depth.
It also reflects the spirit of coexistence and historical continuity that defines our nation.
As a historic crossroads of cultures, faiths, and trade routes, much like Sri Lanka, Cappadocia symbolizes the shared legacy of tolerance and resilience of our nations.
This connection was commemorated in the joint stamp issue marking the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
By bringing the essence of Cappadocia to Sigiriya, we invite our friends living in Sri Lanka to explore Türkiye’s richness beyond its metropolitan centers.
Let me say a few words to the members of the small Turkish community in Sri Lanka in Turkish:
Hepinizin, kültürel değerlerimizi tanıtma sorumluluğu taşıyan birer elçi rolü üstlenmenizden dolayı içten teşekkürlerimi sunarım.
İkili ilişkilerimizi zenginleştiren katkılarınızın farkındayız, Cumhuriyetimizin ve milletimizin güzel değerlerini anlatmaya devam edin lütfen.
Let us remember that the Republic of Türkiye is not just a political entity; it is a living testament to the power of reform, the strength of civic will, and the enduring hope for a better future. Long live the Republic, long live friendship.
