In a message to his Sri Lankan counterpart Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Saturday, Raisi congratulated the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on its Independence Day.

He also expressed hope that the political will of the leaders of the two countries would help expand the friendly relations and mutual cooperation in different arenas in order to fulfill the interests of the two nations.

Sri Lanka's Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on February 4 to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and performances.