The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles celebrated the 73rd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2021 with the participation of Sri Lankan community in California virtually at the Consulate General premises adhering to the prevailing COVID - 19 safety Protocols.
The programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Acting Consul General H.M.B. Herath, followed by singing of the National Anthem. Subsequently, a two minutes silence was observed in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The traditional oil lamp was lit by the Acting Consul General, together with the Consulate General Staff.
Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian leaders conducted religious observances on a virtually platform to invoke blessings upon Sri Lanka. Agga Maha Panditha Most Ven. Dr. Walpola Piyananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara - Los Angeles, Inter – Religious Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka and Chief Sangha of the United States of America delivered the “Anusasana” at the ceremony.
73rd Sri Lanka Independence Day speech of the President was read in Sinhala by the Acting Consul General. Messages of the Independence Day issued by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were read in Tamil and English languages respectively.
Addressing the Sri Lankan community, the Acting Consul General highlighted that the 73rd year of independence is an opportune to glance back at the achievements and failures and to consider the tasks that need to accomplish, in order to transform the political independence that Sri Lanka obtained in 1948 into a true and complete freedom for all our people. He further stated the relations between the United States of America and Sri Lanka are constructive, solid and long standing. During his speech he also mentioned that the biggest challenge the world faces today is the COVID -19 global pandemic and the Government of Sri Lanka has implemented a number of development projects all over the country to achieve a prosperous Sri Lanka as per the Policy Statement “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor” by the President and his Government.
Concluding the ceremony Acting Consul General thanked all the Sri Lanka Community in Los Angeles who joined virtually to commemorate the 73rd Independence Day of Sri Lanka – 2021.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Los Angeles
08 February 2021
