The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan, Italy, commemorated the 76th anniversary of the Independence with three joyous celebrations on 04 February 2024.
The celebrations began with the official flag hoisting ceremony which was held at the Consulate General premises in the morning hours of 04 February 2024.
The second phase of celebrations began at the inaugural ceremony of BIT -Milano 2024 travel and tourism fair, around 11.30am of the same day. Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp amidst of beating of ‘magul bera’, visitors and exhibitors to the fair were treated with Kiribath and other Sri Lankan sweetmeats.
The main celebrations held at the Consulate General premises in the evening also started with the hoisting of the national flag and singing of the national anthem following observance of two-minutes silence in memory of all those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. The Traditional oil lamp was lit by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Milan, officers representing the staff of the Consulate General and the children from the two Sri Lankan International schools.
Multi-faith religious observances were conducted invoking blessings on the country and its citizens by Maha Sangha led by the Chief Sanghanayaka Thero in Italy and Chief Prelate of the Milan International Buddhist Centre Ven Mahagama Vipulasiri Nayaka Thero, Catholic clergy led by Rev Father Jude Suresh from Milan Sri Lanka Catholic diocese, Rev Somasundaram Baskaran Kurukkal and Mr Zakariya Mohamed Rizvi.
The Independence Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka were read. Addressing the gathering, the Consul General commended the constant support being received from the community in Milan and Northern Italy for the endeavours undertaken by the Consulate General and their contribution to the economy of the country by sending remittances to Sri Lanka. She further stated that the Consulate General has secured Sri Lanka's participation at the famous Venice Carnival which will be held in a weeks’ time and the plans to hold this year’s Sri Lanka Festival in the second weekend of July showcasing Sri Lankan culture and the skills of overseas Sri Lankans living in Northern Italy.
Certificates and awards of appreciation were presented to the performers, teachers, and team leaders who performed at the Sri Lanka Festival, Milan 2023 by the Consul General and the Managing Director of the SLTPB.
In addition, the winners of the essay, poetry and art competition organised by the Consulate General in collaboration with the Office for Overseas Sri Lankan Affairs (OOSLA)to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka were also awarded certificates and merits at the National Day celebrations. A congratulatory video message to the winners by Director General of the OOSLA Vadivel Krishnamoorthy commending the artistic and literary skills of Sri Lankans and children of Sri Lankan origin living in Northern Italy and their strong sense of belonging to the motherland was played on the screen.
Sri Lankan expat children representing Sri Lankan International schools and dancing academies in Milan performed dances and songs representing the four major ethnicities and their culture.
The Consulate General premises was brimming with Sri Lankans gathered to celebrate the National Day celebrations and at the end of the official ceremony they were treated to an array of traditional Sri Lankan buffet.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Milan
13 February 2024
