High Commission of India celebrated Republic Day 2006 in a festive manner. The day-long celebrations began with the hoisting of the national flag by the High Commissioner, Smt. Nirupama Rao, at the India House. There was a massed band playing patriotic tunes and the High Commission's security contingent offered her a guard of honour. The national anthem and the national song of India was sung with great fervour and enthusiasm. High Commissioner, Smt. Rao addressed the gathering on the occasion. She read out the address to the nation by the Hon'ble President of the Republic of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. She ended by touching on the various aspects of India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and elaborating on the state of excellence that they were at. A large number of Indian nationals and friends of India participated in the celebrations at India House. The morning function closed with a spread of Indian snacks and delicacies.

The evening reception to commemorate the occasion at India House was a grand event. Cabinet Ministers, business leaders, community leaders, heads of diplomatic missions, musicians and performing artistes and noted luminaries from all walks of life attended this reception. The Hon'ble Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Minister for Cultural Affairs & National Heritage, was the Chief Guest at the reception and was a representative of the Government of Sri Lanka. Both the High Commissioner and the Hon'ble Minister spoke on the occasion outlining the multi-faceted ties between the two countries. The reception was enlivened by a beautiful Odissi dance recital presented by Ms. Ranjana Gauhar and her accompanying musicians. After dancing the classical Odissi items, Ms. Gauhar presented to the audience an especially choreographed dance set to the music of the famous Sinhala song Dhanna Budhunge.