The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria organized the 71st Anniversary of Independence Day celebration on 4 February 2019 in Pretoria.
The function commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by HE the High Commissioner Kumar Mallimaratchi followed by singing of the National Anthem, multi faith religious observances, lighting of traditional oil lamp and two minutes silence in remembrance of all who sacrificed their lives for motherland.
The National day messages of HE the president, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were delivered at the event.
The function at the Residence of the High Commissioner was attended by a large gathering of Diplomats in Pretoria, government officials of South Africa and business community. Mr. Dhaya Govender, Deputy Director General from the Department of Public Works of South Africa graced the occasion, representing the Minister of Public Works, Hon. Thulas Nxesi. The Chief Guest Mr. Govender extended well wishes of the government of South Africa for the 71st Independence Day celebrations and reiterated the milestones of the bilateral Relations between Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Mallimaratchi gave a brief introduction on Sri Lanka‘s history and emphasized the development in some sectors of specially in apparel, tourism and technological advancement etc., by presenting the statistics. Ceylon tea and coconut products were showcased at the premises and each guest was gifted a pack of Ceylon tea and coconut products.
