The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, South Africa organized a brief ceremony to mark the 73rd anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka at the High Commissioner’s residence on 4 February 2021.
The High Commission invited less than 40 invitees for the ceremony to comply with the local restrictions over the gatherings, due to the COVID -19 pandemic situation. A few government officials representing the Department of International Relations, Department of Trade and Industry, South African Police Service, Print Media and office bearers of the main trade and Business chambers were among the participants.
The Ceremony commenced with hoisting the National flag by S. Amarasekara, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in South Africa followed by playing national anthems of Sri Lanka and South Africa, one minute silence in remembrance of the national heroes and lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the dignitaries.
After reading the Independence Day Messages by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, High Commissioner, S. Amarasekara addressed the gathering by emphasizing the guidance and development policies of the government and strategic directives by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
In his speech, the High Commissioner stated that despite the difficulties faced by Sri Lanka more than 7 decades since independence, specially during past challenging 40 years, Sri Lanka has achieved her expectations much. Further, High Commissioner said that ‘’there is no doubt that with the clear vision of the new government which has been stipulated in the government policy document of ‘Vistas of splendour and prosperity’, Sri Lanka will be able to optimize her potentials towards better future.
The function was concluded with serving traditional Sri Lankan breakfast and sweetmeats , serving Ceylon tea alongside for the invitees.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Pretoria
09 February 2020
