In addition to the official events on the 04th of February 2015, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Australia Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe and Mrs. Malathie Samarasinghe hosted a Reception at the chancery premises on 24th February 2015 to celebrate Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The event was attended around 400 guests, including the Federal Speaker of House, Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians, diplomats, senior officials of Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Border Protection, National Intelligence, academics and Australian-Sri Lankan community members.
The Hon. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop, Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Peter Dutton, Minister for Immigration & Border Protection, Hon. Richard Marles, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Federal Members of Parliament, Hon. Don Randall, Hon. Andrew Southcott, Hon. Dr Sharman Stone, Hon. Michael Danby, Hon. Chris Hayes Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force also attended.
During his welcome speech, the High Commissioner addressed the gathering on the importance of reconciliation and emphasized the diversity of Sri Lanka and its importance. He reiterated the vision of the President Maithripala Sirisena, for reconciliation and unity in governance placing greater emphasis on the youth of the country. He further stated that the optimum use of diversity is important to build a strong and unified Sri Lanka for the betterment of future generations.
Therefore, he said, it is the duty of the Sri Lankan community in Australia to support the initiatives taken by the government and welcomed the expatriate Sri Lankan community to be united for the wellbeing of their motherland.
He also elaborated the bilateral relations between Australia and Sri Lanka and expected that the fruitful relationship between the two countries will be further improved in the years ahead. “The Declaration for Peace by the Government of Sri Lanka” on the 04th of February was also read by the High Commissioner which was well received by the audience.
In response to the High Commissioner’s speech, Hon. Julie Bishop, Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke of the excellent relationship that is enforced between the two countries today. She further said that the “Declaration for Peace by the Government of Sri Lanka” was impressive and highlighted the necessity of reconciliation for the future of Sri Lanka.
Ms.Nadeesha Samarasinghe presented solo Bharatanatyam dance of reconciliation with a devotional song to Goddess Saraswathy and the students of Mrs. Bhagya Palihawadana, Sri Lanka Dancing School, performed a Sri Lankan cultural dance. Miss. A.M.Oneesa Sasini Rathnayake sang both Sri Lankan and Australian National Anthems to the Royal Australian Navy Brass Band which was in attendance for the 3rd consecutive year. They performed from the balcony of the main foyer playing Sri Lankan melodies.
The evening ended with a reception hosted by the High Commissioner and Mrs Samarasinghe.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
28th February 2015
