The commemoration of the 71st National day of Sri Lanka took place in Seychelles with a number of colorful events organized by the Sri Lanka High Commission with the assistance of the Sri Lankans Association in Seychelles. A number of artists including some veteran film personalities dramatists and musicians arrived here to make these events memorable for the audiences gathered. These activities spanned over the period, Wednesday 30th January to Tuesday 05th February, thus giving the opportunity to present a variety of events.
On the 30th January, a special training programme to enhance dramatic skills of the children of the Sri Lankans resident in Seychelles carried out by the veteran Sri Lankan artist in the sphere of children’s drama in Sri Lanka, Mr. Upul Weerasinghe. The main aim of this workshop was to impart training for the children who would take part in the subsequent programmes due to be held from 01st to 05th.
On the 02nd February a musical programme titled “Miyasi Gee Mathakawarjana” was conducted at the International Conference Hall International Conference Centre of Seychelles with the emphasis on patriotic songs. Musical direction was done by Mr. Kanchana Sithar Jayasinhe who has performed as the Director / music at Derana Dream Star Programme. On the following evening, a special cultural programme consisting of Sri Lankan traditional dancing and related events took place. Ambassador Barry Faure, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated as the Chief Guest and members of the diplomatic corps were also present. A large gathering of Sri Lankans and Seychelles nationals witnessed this programme.
Official flag hoisting ceremony took place at the residence of the Sri Lanka High Commission. Hoisting of the National Flag was followed by the sermons of four major faiths offered by religious dignitaries present. H.E Tikiri Herath Gunathilake the High Commissioner read out the special statement issued by His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka while the message issued by Honorable Ranil Wickramasinghe, the Prime Minister and Honorable Tilak Marapona, the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out by Ms. Tharushi Gunathilake and Mr. Toni Fernando respectively. On the 04th evening, the Sri Lankan Food Festival and cultural show was held at the Coral Strands Hotel.
The festivities came to conclusion at the Sri Lanka High Commission on the 05th evening, where the presentation of felicitation souvenirs and certificates to the artists and other contributors took place. The High Commission takes pride in having able to organize a glittering series of festivities in commemorating the 71st National Independence Day of Sri Lanka in Seychelles.
