The 71st Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Sri Lanka was celebrated at the Embassy premises on 4th February 2019 with the participation of Sri Lankan community including the members of Sri Lanka Army Unit serving in United National Interim Force (UNIFIL) Nakura, Lebanon. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka by Sri Lanka Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Mrs. H.M.G.R.R.K. Wijeratne Mendis, amidst the “Magulbera and Sak handa” performed by the Sri Lanka Army, this was followed by the singing of National Anthem in Sinhalese and Tamil languages. A Two minutes silence was observe in remembrance of fallen heroes of mother land.
The multi religious observances were conducted invoking blessings for the peace and prosperity of motherland by Ven.K.Deepawansalankara Thero, Mr.K.Kohulasinngham Father Michel Khairooz, and Mr. M. Fahad. National Day message of the President of Sri Lanka Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka H.E. the Maithripala Siresena was read in Sinhalese Language by the H.E. the Ambassador Mrs. H.M.G.R.R.K.Wijerathne Mendis and Tamil language by Second Secretary/Labour Mr. T. Luxmidharan, Ms. W.W.C.S. Perera, Head of Chancery read Prime Minister’s message in Sinhala language and Ms. K.W. Malar, Consular Assistant read the same in Tamil language. Foreign Minister’s message in Sinhala was read by Mr. H.M.H.B. Herath, Attaché in Sinhala language and Tamil language by M.A.M. Fahad, Translator of Labour Section. The event in the morning was concluded with a treat of traditional Sri Lankan break first including milk rice and delicacies to all guests.
Ambassador also hosted a diplomatic reception on the same day evening at the Official Residence with participation of diplomatic corps, officials of the ministry of foreign Affairs other officials, businessmen and members of the Sri Lanka Association in Lebanon. The guests of honour of the event were H.E. Cesar Abi Khalil, MP, representing H.E. President Gen. Michel Aoun, Dr. Kassem Hachem, representing H.E. Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Parliament, Mrs. Roula Al Tabesh, and Deputy of the parliament, representing H.E. Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, Ambassador H.E. Najla Riachi Chief of protocol representing H. E. Gibran Basil Minister of Foreign Affairs.
HE the Ambassador during her National Day Speech at the Official residence emphasized the need for unity among all ethnic religious groups for the future prosperity of Mother Land. Further stated that Sri Lanka is looking forward to expand and consolidate the existing bi-lateral relations with Lebanon in the political, economic, trade, tourism, education and socio-cultural fields, for the mutual benefit of two countries
The event was colourful with the performance of patriotic songs and traditional dances of the children of the Home based staff of the Embassy, Sri Lankan community and members of Sri Lankan Army. Sinhala song “Ranmalak Lesa dew babun” performed by a famous Lebanese singer Ms. Terra Maalouf was appreciated by all the attendees of the event. The Evening concluded with a dinner reception offering authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and delicacies to the guest.
