The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sri Lanka on its independence day and said he looked forward to welcoming President Maithripala Sirisena later this month.

"On their Independence Day, my greetings to people of Sri Lanka. The bonds of history, culture and shared values that we share are unbreakable,” the prime minister tweeted.

"My best wishes for the development of Sri Lanka in the years to come. I look forward to welcoming President Sirisena later this month."

The new Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena, marked the anniversary of the state's independence from British colonial rule with a ceremony with the Buddhist clergy and a military parade.

"The light of freedom, which remained covered under the shadow of terrorism, began to shine again after the eradication of the brutality of terrorism by the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the Year 2009. Although our sovereignty and territorial integrity was retained by this, the need to proceed further towards national unity through genuine amity and friendship among people is a task that needs achievement. Just as the land was united, it remains necessary to join all Sri Lankans with the bonds of unity."

"As we celebrate the gaining of Independence, today, we recognize our bounden duty to give all honour and respect to the members of the Security Forces who made great sacrifices to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity in the battle against terrorism."