Thursday, 6 February 2014 00:00
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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai organised the 66th Independence Day Anniversary on 4 February 2014 in the Mission premises, amidst a large gathering of Sri Lankans living in Dubai and Northern Emirates.
The country’s national flag was hoisted by Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai Abdul Raheem. This was followed by singing of the national anthem, lighting of the traditional oil lamp, and reading messages of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, which were read in English, Tamil and Sinhala. Two minutes of silence was also observed in honour of national heroes. Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious dignitaries Ven. Harispaththuwe Shaddah Vimuktha Thero, Kurukkal Devanand Mahadeva, Moulavi Riaz, and Rev. Dr. Ruwan Palapathwala blessed the nation and the people of Sri Lanka in Dubai.
In his speech, the Consul General Abdul Raheem mentioned that UAE and Sri Lanka relations have further strengthened with the visit of the President of Sri Lanka and one to one meeting with Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In addition, the first Joint Commission Meeting held in January 2014 was led by Foreign Ministers of both countries. Various issues were brought up by both delegations and they agreed to collaborate and work together to achieve new targets.
Members of the Business Council, community leaders, and a large number of Sri Lankan expats attended the function despite it being a busy working day. Around 300 Sri Lankans who gathered at the Consulate appreciated the arrangements made by the Mission and enjoyed delicacies made by Sri Lankan chefs. A live authentic Sri Lankan band played patriotic music at the end of the program.
