"Colombo has a rich historical background behind its growth and development. The student of history could not but be intrigued by the diverse cultures and external influence that had washed your shores since the 9th century. In the modern context, the city's rapid development has added to the importance of Colombo as a centre for regional and international activities. The role that your city has played in this regard in world affairs is well known, having been the venue for a number of important conferences and seminars covering a wide spectrum of activities and subjects. It is a proud moment for your country that one such event recorded in the annals of your history was the Meeting of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers in January 1950 when the Colombo Plan was conceived. Membership of this organisation has since grown to 26 countries and the fact that the Colombo Plan Council and the Bureau are located in Colombo is symbolic of the valuable contribution that your country and in particular His Excellency President J.R. Jayewardene has made to this organisation. I recall also your great city was the venue for the 5th Non-Aligned Summit of Heads of State or Government in 1976 and more recently you hosted the ESCAP Population Conference and the Commonwealth Conference of Law Ministers. Indeed, the association of your city to international affairs is impressive. I am also aware of the important role played by the Colombo Municipal Council since it was established in 1865, almost 118 years ago. It has been said that next to the central government itself, the Municipal Council of Colombo is the largest administrative machinery in the island. This council has apparently been the launching pad for many a leading Sri Lankan politician. Many of your great leaders started from this unique institution and thereafter several of them had entered the Legislature. I am aware that Your President, His Excellency J.R. Jayewardene started his political career from here when he won a seat in the Council in December 1940."