The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa attended as the Chief Guest of the diplomatic reception hosted by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Bahrain Reethisri Wijertne Mendis on the occasion of the 76th Anniversary of the Independence Day. He was joined by the Assistant Under Secretary Labor Affairs Ahmed Alhaiki, Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism Dr Ali Hassan Follad, and Director General of the Afro Asia Division Ambassador Fatima Abdullah Al-Dhaen, Chief Executive Officer of the Export Bahrain Safa Sharif Abdulkhaliq, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Ramy Al-Adwan. Ambassadors of friendly countries, senior government officials, presidents of Sri Lankan associations, business community and media personal were among the other dignitaries who were present.
During her speech, Ambassador Reethisri Wijertne Mendis emphasized the progress made by the two countries in recent past despite the Covid 19 Pandemic and economic recession. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the Kingdom of Bahrain's interest in consolidating the bonds of cooperation and friendship with Sri Lanka. The Ambassador also conveyed her greetings and good wishes to the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the government and people of Bahrain for enduring progress and prosperity. She also acknowledged with gratitude the contributions made by the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain for the economic and social progress of Sri Lanka, and requested their continued support to achieve the desired goals of development and prosperity.
During his remarks, Undersecretary Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's sincere congratulations to Sri Lanka on the occasion of 76th Independence Day wishing further progress and prosperity. He also expressed keenness on strengthening and developing political and economic cooperation to achieve the common interests of both countries.
Guests were entertained with a colorful Ves dance performance by two members of the Awakened Sri Lanka Association, and a patriotic song by Kalum Perera followed by a video presentation on the tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. At the end of the event, the guests were treated to a splendid Sri Lankan dinner, and takeover gifts candidly wrapped by Ceylon Avenue Cafe.
The Embassy also held an official ceremony to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 76th Anniversary of Independence on 04 February at the Embassy premises with the participation of the members of Sri Lankan Community residing in Bahrain. The event included the hoisting of the national flag, singing of the national anthem by Sri Lankan students, invoking blessings of the four religions, lighting of the traditional oil lamp, reading the messages of President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka in Sinhala, Tamil and English, and address by the Ambassador. The function was concluded by serving Sri Lankan authentic breakfast and delicacies.
In her address, the Ambassador thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Sri Lankan community associations Bahrain, business community for the support extended to successfully organize the two events.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Manama
12 February 2024
