The Embassy of Sri Lanka in The Netherlands successfully celebrated the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2026, with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in the Netherlands.
The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Rekha Gunasekera, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, in keeping with Sri Lankan customs and traditions.
A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for independence, as well as those who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ditwah. Thereafter, multi-faith religious observances representing Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian faiths were conducted, invoking blessings for the nation and the well-being of its people.
Messages issued on the occasion of the Independence Day by H.E. the President of Sri Lanka, the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were read in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Rekha Gunasekera outlined some of the important programmes initiated by the government and invited the Sri Lankan community to contribute towards the country’s reconstruction and sustainable growth. She highlighted the importance of the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka Programme” which reflects the nation’s commitment to recovery, unity, and development following recent challenges. The Ambassador also expressed her sincere appreciation to the Sri Lankan community in the Netherlands for their support and contributions in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
The Ambassador also made reference to the strong bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, noting progress in economic cooperation, tourism growth and cultural cooperation. She also referred to the active participation of Sri Lanka at the multilateral institutions based in the Hague.
The program featured a cultural dance performance presented by members of the Sri Lankan community and concluded with a Sri Lankan luncheon hosted by the Embassy.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
07 February 2026
