Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai marked the 78th Anniversary of the National Independence under the theme ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’.
This historic occasion was commemorated on 4th February 2026 at the Consular General giving prominence for multi-faith religious observances with the participation of Sri Lankan community living in Shanghai and in, namely Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Hunan four (04) Provinces under its the jurisdiction.
The Ceremony commenced with singing the National Anthem in Sinhala language, observing two-minute silence in memory of fallen heroes & those who lost lives due to Cyclone Ditwah that hit Sri Lanka in last November, followed by lighting the traditional oil lamp by the Consul General, religious dignitaries and the participants.
Welcoming the gathering, the Consul General Pamoda Gooneratne extended appreciation for their presence and for prompt support extended in recent disaster recovery for Sri Lanka. Further, the Consul General emphasized the importance of their unity and support for the country embarking a new national journey, ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’.
Multi-faith religious observances according to the Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianism and Muslim religions were conducted to invoke blessings to Sri Lanka and its people.
Special Messages by H. E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism to mark the 78th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka were read in Sinhala, Tamil & English respectively.
This simple, but proud ceremony was concluded with singing the National Anthem in Tamil language
It was significant that a higher number of participation by Sri Lankans representing all ethnicities as well as voluntary well-wishers from other nations including China and India, who braved the cold weather, gracing this historic occasion of Sri Lanka. They all enjoyed the refreshments consisted of traditional Sri Lankan milk rice & sweet meat together with Ceylon Tea.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Shanghai.
11 February 2026
