The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa celebrated the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka together with the Sri Lankan-origin residents in Ottawa on 04 February 2025. Celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka at the Ottawa City Hall by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Canada, U. L. Mohammed Jauhar, accompanied by the resonant sound of Magul Bera. Sri Lankan and Canadian National Anthems were sung, marking the solemnity of the occasion. It was the first time the Sri Lankan National Flag was hoisted at Ottawa City Hall by the High Commissioner, symbolizing the strong bilateral ties and the vibrant Sri Lankan community. Deputy Mayor of Ottawa, Marty Carr, representing the City of Ottawa extended warm greetings on behalf of Mayor of Ottawa, Mark Sutcliffe.
The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by the rest of the proceedings of the event at the official residence of the High Commissioner, which included the invocation of blessings by religious leaders representing the faiths of Sri Lankans: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Messages of the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka were read out by the High Commissioner, Counsellor of the High Commission, Kumarasamy Kiritharan and Attaché Chathurika Bandula, respectively.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Mohammed Jauhar reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in all spheres including trade, investment, and cultural cooperation. He acknowledged the significant contributions of Sri Lankans from all communities for the betterment of Canada. Moreover, the High Commissioner underscored the importance of continued collaboration for economic development. He also highlighted the significance of the Clean Sri Lanka project, outlining its six key strategies, and urged Sri Lankans living in Canada to support this initiative. At the end of the event, the participants enjoyed a delicious spread of Sri Lankan cuisine.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Ottawa
10 February 2025
