Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Wednesday, 12 February 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Seychelles celebrated the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Official Residence in Machabe on 4 February, with the participation of religious leaders, 
dignitaries of the Seychelles institutions, and Sri Lankans living in Seychelles.
Chargé d›Affaires Tharushi Gunathilake hoisted the National Flag, commencing the celebration of the Independence Day amidst the sound of magul bera, where all the participants joined in on singing the National Anthem.
Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Gunathilake, together with the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta Alessandra Azais Tatistscheff, and other dignitaries, a two-minute silence was observed in commemorating the National War Heroes and those who sacrificed their lives for the peace, independence and sovereignty of the motherland during in the past. The religious leaders representing Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam blessed Sri Lanka and all the Sri Lankans living in Seychelles.
The Chargé d’Affaires, welcoming all participants, highlighted the importance of the day, the positive developments of the country and the bilateral relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Gunathilake then read a message from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s message was read out by the Sri Lankan Association of Seychelles President while Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardana’s message was read by the Seychelles Buddhist Association President.
The official ceremony concluded with the serving of Sri Lankan traditional foods to all participants.
