Sri Lanka’s 72nd Independence Day celebrated in Bahrain

Monday, 10 February 2020 00:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bahrain commemorated Sri Lanka’s 72nd Independence Day with the participation of Sri Lankans residing in Bahrain and friends of Sri Lankans on 4 February at the embassy premises.

The official program commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Pradeepa Saram. Thereafter, the singing of the national anthem was followed by two minutes’ silence in remembrance of all those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian religious observances were conducted to invoke blessings upon the President, the Government and the people. The special Independence Day messages of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena were also delivered.

The ceremony saw the ambassador address the gathering and the serving of refreshments including kiribath and traditional sweet meats. Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim members of the community participated in the ceremony.

As part of Sri Lanka’s 72nd Independence Day and the 28th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Bahrain, the embassy will be organising a mega ‘Sri Lankan Cultural Evening’ on 27 February at the Bahrain Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). The embassy will also conduct a three-day trade promotional event in partnership with Lulu International of Bahrain on 26, 28 and 29 February.

The cultural and trade promotion events will feature well-known Sri Lankan dance ensemble ‘Channa-Upuli’ and a live Sri Lankan culinary show depicting Sri Lankan cuisine.