The 71st Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence was celebrated at the Consulate General in Frankfurt am Main with the participation of a large gathering of Sri Lankans living in the six Federal States in Germany viz., Hesse, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Saarland. The Hony. Consuls of the Federal States also participated.
The new Consul General Mrs. Madurika Joseph Weninger started the proceedings with the hoisting of the National Flag.
Multi-Religious observances were conducted by the Religious dignitaries followed by the reading of the Independence Day Messages of His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena, Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Hon. Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana.
A moment of silence was observed to remember the former Consul General, the late Mr. Ranjith Gunaratne.
The Consul General Mrs. Madurika Weninger in her speech referred to the importance of working together as a Sri Lankan community regardless of differences. Mrs. Weninger further stated that during her tenure in Frankfurt, she would attach priority to promoting trade between the two countries and encourage more German entrepreneurs to invest in Sri Lanka. She also stated that efforts would be made to further popularising Sri Lanka as a best destination for German travellers.
The Event concluded with a reception hosted by the Consul General.
