South Korean Embassy hosts independence commemoration for Lankan expats

Saturday, 21 February 2015 01:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul celebrated the 67th anniversary of Sri Lankan independence with members of the Sri Lankan community in South Korea on 8 February. The commemoration was held in Gwangju city, which is situated about 300 kilometres away from the capital city of Seoul. A large number of Sri Lankan nationals and many Koreans attended the event despite cold temperatures. Former Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka and current Secretary-General for Asian Affairs of the Korean Foreign Ministry, Choi Jang-moon and the Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City President Lee Sun-jaewere were the Guests of Honour for the event. Senior Government officials, members of the business community with ties to Sri Lanka and officials of migrant centres and media organisations were also present at the event. The official program started with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Wijeratne. After the national anthems of both Sri Lanka and Korea and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian religious observances were conducted to invoke blessings upon the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. The Independence Day message of President Maithripala Sirisena was also recited. The ceremony also celebrated the rich culture of dance and music of Sri Lanka. A talented Sri Lankan dance troupe in Korea performed gracefully to the beat of Sri Lankan drums and traditional music. Most importantly, this year’s Independence Day was celebrated with the diligent contribution of the Sri Lankan migrant workers who are temporarily away from their home country. Their patriotic spirit weaved among the attendees. Apart from this glamorous event in Gwangju, on the morning of 4 February, Embassy staff, along with members of the Sri Lankan community in Seoul, gathered at the Embassy premises to celebrate Independence Day with religious rituals. After Ambassador Tissa Wijeratne unfurled the national flag, the Sri Lankan national anthem was sung and two minutes’ silence was observed to honour the fallen heroes of Sri Lanka before the traditional oil lamp was lit. The event also honoured a multi-religious culture with representation from Sri Lanka’s four main religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. A traditional Sri Lankan lunch was served to all participants at the end of the ceremony.

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