The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Canberra celebrated the 78th Independence Day on 04 February 2026, at the High Commission premises in the presence of members of the Sri Lankan Community in Canberra and well-wishers.
The formal ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by High Commissioner, Yasoja Gunasekera, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by the children of the Sri Lanka High Commission staff and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, in keeping with Sri Lankan customs and traditions.
A one minute silence was observed in honour of Sri Lanka’s Independence leaders who came from all communities of our multicultural country and national heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Ven. Buddhist monks and religious dignitaries of the Hindu, Islamic and Catholic faiths conducted religious observances, invoking blessings for the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.
The Independence Day messages of H.E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister, and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism were read at the ceremony, and copies of the messages were made available to the attendees in the three official languages of Sri Lanka.
Delivering her remarks, High Commissioner Gunasekera emphasised the significance of commemorating Independence Day under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” highlighting the positive economic trajectory the country is currently on, with significant progress in exports, foreign direct investment and tourism in 2025. She invited the Sri Lankan community to contribute towards the country’s reconstruction and economic development.
Participants enjoyed cultural performances by members of the Sri Lankan community: the Bhagya Dance Group and Akshara Dance Group, as well as the children of the Sri Lanka High Commission staff. Thereafter well known singer, Mr. Jagath Wickremasinghe sang several patriotic songs to the audience’s delight.
The ceremony was conducted tri-lingually in Sinhala, Tamil and English and concluded with the playing of the National Anthem in Tamil. Following the formal proceedings, attendees were hosted to traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon tea.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Canberra
10 February 2026
