Hon. Dr.Mohammad Reza Aref, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Vice President, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, conveyed his congratulations to his counterpart Hon. Harini Amarasuriya and the Government,and the people of Sri Lanka through an official message, emphasizing the importance of further expanding bilateral relations and cooperation. The text of the message is as follows:   In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful   Hon. Harini Amarasuriya Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka   Hon. Prime Minister, I sincerely congratulate Your Excellency and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.   Given the historical bonds and in the light of the joint efforts of our two countries, I hope we will witness further expansion of relations in the political, economic, and cultural fields, for the well-being of the people of both nations.   Availing this opportunity, I wish Your Excellency continued health           and success, and the people of Sri Lanka welfare, well-being, and ever-increasing progress.   Mohammad Reza Aref