Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok organized a solemn ceremony to mark the 73rd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka at the Embassy premises on 4 February 2021, with the participation of members of the Sri Lankan community and friends of Sri Lanka.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag at the Official Residence by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Poornima Gunasekera of the Embassy Sri Lanka. The program at the Embassy commenced with the singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. A two minutes silence was observed in honour of all those who have laid their lives in protecting and preserving the independence, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. In keeping with the Sri Lankan tradition, an oil lamp was lit by representatives of the Sri Lankan community.
Religious leaders representing all four religions of Sri Lanka conducted prayers and showered blessings upon those who were present and on mother Sri Lanka at the ceremony. Excerpts from ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ which includes the vision of the President of Sri Lanka and special Independence Day messages issued by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka were read at the event in Sinhala, Tamil and English, respectively. A special video presentation on Sri Lanka was also screened at the event.
In her address at the event, the Charge d’Affaires stressed upon the committed participation of all Sri Lankans, not only from within the country but also living outside the motherland, towards preserving the hard-won freedom and sustainable development of modern Sri Lanka. She also added that collective efforts are of particular importance in this hour of need, given the magnitude of unprecedented social and economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic.
The event was held while adhering to all health guidelines of the Department of Disease Control of Thailand and all guests were treated to Sri Lankan traditional snacks for take-away in place of the usual buffet reception.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
05 February 2021
