On the 4th of February 2015, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon celebrated the 67th Anniversary of Independence in an elegant ceremony under the patronage of Ambassador, H.R. Piyasiri at the Embassy premises with the participation of Embassy staff and expatriates living in Myanmar.
The event commenced with the offering of Buddha Pooja. The Maha Sanga chanted pirith to invoke blessings on His Excellency the President and the people of Sri Lanka. After the Buddha Pooja, the official National Day Programme commenced.
Ambassador Mr. H.R. Piyasiri, hoisted the National Flag to the accompaniment of Magul Bera and all the participants sang the National Anthem and observed two minutes of silence to salute the martyr’s who fought for the independence of Sri Lanka.
This was followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and then a multi Religious ceremony was held with observance by the Buddhist - Ven. Badantha, Christian - Rev. Father Joseph Maung Win, Hindu - Rev. Sundaran, Chief Priest Hindu Temple and Islam - Maulana Yacood Noor Mohammed Habib.
The Independence Day Messages of His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe, Prime Minister and Mr. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs was read.
After the reading of messages Ambassador Piyasiri addressing the gathering emphasized that under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency the President, the government is determines to foster a national amity amongst all communities in Sri Lanka.
At the conclusion of the official ceremony, the assembled guests at the event were invited to enjoy a traditional breakfast which included Kiribath and Traditional Sweets.
The Mission hosted over 250 guests at a reception in the evening at Chatrium Hotel in Yangon with a colorful ceremony. It was graced by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, U. Tin Oo Lwin as a Chief Guest, Diplomats, members of the UN Agencies and NGOs based in Yangon, members of the Business community, Myanmar dignitaries, Sri Lankan expatriates and well wishes. A documentary on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty was also screened.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Yangoon
10th February 2015
