The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Moscow celebrated 73rd Independence Day in a befitting manner at the Embassy Premises on 4 February 2021. This year, the event went live due to restricted in person participation.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Prof. M.D. Lamawansa. The National Anthem was played followed by the observance of two minutes silence in remembrance of all heroes of the nation who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Motherland.
Following the lightning of the traditional oil lamp by dignitaries, religious observances were conducted by venerable Maha Sanga and clergies belonging to Hindu, Islam and Christian, blessing the occasion and the country. The National Day addresses of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister were read out in Sinhala, Tamil, and English respectively.
The Ambassador addressing the gathering emphasized the importance of the unity of all Sri Lankans through which the country had gained immense victories in its history.
Ambassador Prof. Lamawansa expressed gratitude to all dignitaries who assembled at the event and all Sri Lankans who joined online for their participation and appreciated all the students who contributed for the cultural component of the programme.
Deputy Director of the 2-nd Asian Department, Dedov graced the gathering as the Chief Guest and delivered the message on behalf of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The Hon. Consul of Sri Lanka in Armenia and the Hon. Consul of Sri Lanka in Kursk sent their video-recorded congratulatory messages to the gathering.
The Ceremony concluded with the lunch serving of Sri Lankan dishes.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Moscow
08 February 2021
