The 77th anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was officially celebrated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat on 04 February 2025 at the Embassy premises, with the participation of a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates in the Sultanate of Oman.
The Independence Day event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Chargé d'Affaires (a.i) of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman Anodya Chirasrie, followed by the singing of the national anthem. A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance and honour of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. Thereafter, community representatives joined the lighting of the oil lamp, and religious sermons were conducted while blessings of four major faiths in Sri Lanka were invoked.
The Independence Day messages of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath were read out by the members of the Embassy staff.
Addressing the gathering, the Chargé d'Affaires (a.i) greeted the Sri Lankan community in Oman while extending her gratitude for their great support, and paid tribute to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and the Government and people of the Sultanate of Oman for the continued support extended to Sri Lanka. She also highlighted the main activities completed during the year 2024 by the Embassy. In addition, the achievements and milestones in the bilateral relations during the past one-year period, including the labour welfare facilities extended, exhibitions and trade enhancing initiatives launched by the Embassy were outlined.
During the event the Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs who participated in the “Muscat Nights 2024/2025” handed over a token of appreciation to the Embassy and SLBCI for facilitating the opportunity to participate in the event and the support extended. Counsellor (Employment and Welfare) of the Embassy, Hemantha Wijeratne briefed the Sri Lankan community on the “Clean Sri Lanka Project” implemented by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat and requested the gathering to be a partner of this new initiative.
In conclusion, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, Chargé d' Affaires (a.i) invited all members of the Sri Lankan community who live in the Sultanate of Oman to join hands by extending their cooperation to work for the peace and prosperity of Sri Lanka. In addition, the yearlong action-plan of the Embassy and her ambition to promote Sri Lankan Tourism and economic ties with the Sultanate, towards a National Renaissance were elaborated.
Third Secretary (Employment and Welfare) of the Embassy, Subhashini Basnayake delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a Sri Lankan traditional breakfast served to all guests.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Muscat
06 February 2025
