The 78th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka was celebrated on 4th February 2026 with a dignified flag hoisting ceremony at Ottawa City Hall, organized by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa, in cooperation with the City of Ottawa. The ceremony was attended by the Honourable Deputy Mayor of Ottawa, Councillor Wilson Lo, City officials, members of the Sri Lankan community, and staff of the High Commission.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the Sri Lankan National Flag by the Acting High Commissioner Mr. Kiritharan Kumarasamy, accompanied by the traditional Magul Bera and the Sri Lankan National Anthem, followed by the Canadian National Anthem. A two-minute silence was observed in honour of Sri Lanka’s national heroes and the victims of Cyclone Ditwah.
In his remarks, the Honourable Deputy Mayor, Councillor Wilson Lo, highlighted the strong and enduring Canada-Sri Lanka relationship founded on shared democratic values, acknowledged the vibrant contributions of the Sri Lankan-Canadian community, and welcomed the ceremonial raising of the Sri Lankan flag at Ottawa City Hall.
In his address, the Acting High Commissioner reflected on Sri Lanka’s Independence and Canada’s recognition on the same day in 1948, reviewed the steady growth of bilateral relations and development cooperation, appreciated Canada’s continued support, and reaffirmed the High Commission’s commitment to strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people ties.
Subsequent to the flag-hoisting ceremony at Ottawa City Hall, participants-including the Honourable Deputy Mayor, representatives of the City of Ottawa, members of the Sri Lankan community, and officials of the High Commission - enjoyed Sri Lankan tea served with special Sri Lankan biscuits, as part of a promotional showcase of Sri Lanka’s distinguished tea culture and culinary traditions.
Following the City Hall ceremony, religious observances were held at the Official Residence, with blessings from Buddhist and Hindu clergy and recorded messages from Christian and Islamic religious leaders. Messages from His Excellency the President, the Hon. Prime Minister, and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka were read out in all three languages.
Throughout the event at the Official Residence, the National Day logo and Independence Day messages from His Excellency the President, the Honourable Prime Minister, and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with selected promotional materials, were digitally displayed, enhancing the commemorative atmosphere.
During the concluding segment of the programme, the Acting High Commissioner expressed sincere appreciation to the Sri Lankan community in Canada for their generous assistance during recent disaster relief efforts and encouraged continued collaboration and support as Sri Lanka moves into the second phase of recovery and rebuilding, noting that the High Commission would formally coordinate related initiatives in the coming weeks.
The Independence Day programme featured the offering of Dana to religious dignitaries and concluded with traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, a gesture that symbolized Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted cultural richness and the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka, Canada, and the Sri Lankan-Canadian community.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Ottawa
07 February 2026
