THE HIGH COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA CELEBRATES 76TH INDEPENDENCE DAY
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad, Pakistan celebrated the 76th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 4th February 2024 at the High Commission premises.
The official ceremony in the morning of 04th February commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by His Excellency Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne (Retd), the High Commissioner followed by rendering of the National Anthem in Sinhala, observing two-minute silence to pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice on behalf of the nation.
After the lighting of the traditional lamp by the by the High Commissioner and dignitaries, the religious ceremony commenced with blessings for the country, the leader and the people of Sri Lanka by clergies/priests representing Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Hindu religions.
The National Day message of H.E the President was read out by H.E the High Commissioner (Sinhala) followed by in Tamil and English by Mr A Christy Ruban, Minister and Brigadier Kaminda Silva, Minister Counsellor (Defence) of this Mission respectively.
Later, Admiral Wijegunaratne (Retd) made an inspiring and thought-provoking speech, highlighting responsibilities of citizens especially youths’ contributions towards the country’s development,
and long-standing friendly relations of both nations, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
At the end of the formal event, the invitees numbering around 120 including the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Peshawar, Tri Forces Officers and a large number of students following various courses/higher studies in the universities in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar along with home-based staff and local staff of the High Commission and their family members were served lunch including milk rice hosted by the High Commission.
The occasion concluded with the playing of national Anthem in Tamil.