The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Stockholm celebrated the 72nd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka by organizing two events.
The Embassy together with the Sri Lankan community celebrated the 72nd Anniversary of Independence on 04 February at the Embassy premises. The ceremony commenced with the playing of the national anthem. Two minutes silence was observed in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Nation. Religious dignitaries conducted multi-faith religious observances offering the blessings upon Sri Lanka and its people. Addressing the community members, Ambassador Sudantha Ganegama Arachchi briefed them about the priorities of the Government by referring to the new policy framework of President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa to build a prosperous Sri Lanka. He then explained to the participants about the initiatives taken by the Embassy during 2019 to promote Sri Lanka tourism, investments and trade in Sweden. Action taken to improve the quality of the Consular services of the Embassy was also highlighted. Ambassador Ganegama Arachchi invited all the participants to join hands with the Embassy in its continuous efforts to promote Sri Lanka’s interests in Sweden in terms of the new policy framework unveiled by the new Government under the vision and leadership of the President.
A reception was hosted for the Diplomatic and the Swedish business community on 06 February 2020 at the History Museum in Stockholm. In his address, Ambassador Ganegama Arachchi outlined the policy framework of the newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and said that this framework offers many promising opportunities to further develop relations between Sweden and Sri Lanka. While expressing his gratitude to the Swedish Government for removing the travel advisory on Sri Lanka in 2019, he noted that this decision sent a positive message to the world that Sri Lanka is a safe travel destination. Sweden became the first EU country to remove the travel advisory. Ambassador Ganegama Arachchi also thanked the Swedish travel trade representatives for their continued support. Ambassador said that Sweden is home to Sri Lanka diaspora of approximately 8,000 and they are socially and economically well-integrated, enriching cultural diversity in Sweden. He also stated the plans of the Embassy to promote Sri Lanka’s business interests in Sweden during the year. More than 130 guests attended the reception.
At both these events, traditional Sri Lankan cuisines were served.
