Mission News

On the occasion of celebrating Sri Lanka’s 63rd Independence Day, an official ceremony was held at the Embassy  on 4th February morning with the participation of over 400 Sri Lankan nationals  and well-wishers. Sheikh Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Jabr Al-Sabah graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag amidst the sound of traditional drums followed by the recital of the national anthem.  The ceremonial oil lamp was lit thereafter, followed by the observance of a 02-minutes silence in honour of national heroes.

 

A formal ceremony was held in commemoration of the 63rd Anniversary of independence on 4th February 2010 at the Office of the Consulate General. The proceedings began with the hoisting of the National Flag, playing of the National Anthem, religious observances, and the reading of messages of HE the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of   External Affairs.

The Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom invited representatives of Thailand, Myanmar and Nepal embassies to discuss the issue of using Buddha  images for commercial purposes.  Thida Aung, Minister Counsellor of Myanmar Embassy,  Rutchabhoom Boonrawd, First Secretary of Thailand Embassy and  Khimanand Bhusal, Attache of Nepal Embassy attended the meeting held on 15.02.2011 at the High Commission premises. The discussion centred on the restaurant in operation in Fulham area of London by the name of ‘Greedy Buddha’, serving Nepalese food.

 

A gathering of approximately 175 Sri Lankan community members attended the Independence Day celebrations held on 4th February at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises in Canberra. The proceedings began with the hoisting of the national flag and playing of the national anthem. Religious dignitaries representing the four main faiths of Sri Lanka were represented at the function and conducted religious observances. A two minute silence was observed for soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the conflict and this was followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by invitees and representatives of the Sri Lankan community in Canberra. The messages of H E the President, Hon Prime Minister and the Minister of External Affairs were read out on the occasion. Ms Sashikala Premawardhane, Acting High Commissioner addressing the gathering called on Sri Lankan expatriates to contribute to the development of the country. Mr Mark Pierce, Asst. Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and several other representatives of the Department were present for the ceremony. A traditional Sri Lankan dinner was served following the ceremony.

Sri Lanka Independence Day celebrations in Thailand was enlivened this year with a musical performance by the famous singer Visharad Nanda Malini.

Recently Sri Lanka and Kenya concluded a Bilateral Air Services Agreement in Nairobi.  While Sri Lanka High Commissioner for Kenya J.P.B. Dissanayake signed on behalf of Sri Lanka, Amos Kimunya, Minister of Transport of Kenya (former Trade Minister) signed the Agreement for Kenya.  This is also an outcome of talks between former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, and President Mwai Kibaki in May 2009.

The 63rd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was commemorated at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris with special religious observances at the Embassy premises today (4th February 2011).