The 67th National Day of Sri Lanka was celebrated by expatriate Sri Lankans, Austrian officials and members of the diplomatic corps, at the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Vienna, on 4th February 2015.
On the morning of 04th February, an official ceremony took place with the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem. Addressing the event, Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez stressed upon the importance of all Sri Lankans working together in unity and harmony. He added that the effort towards building a peaceful and prosperous country for all has gained momentum, as Sri Lanka begins a new chapter in history. His address was followed by prayers conducted by the Most. Ven. Wijayarajapura Seelawanso Thero, Rev. Bimal Kundu, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Edirisinghe and Imam Kadir Hoca. They invoked blessings on Sri Lanka and its people, while encouraging all to work together towards the building a better country. They stressed Sri Lankans should seize the moment of the ongoing positive transformation in Sri Lanka.
The evening reception, attended by Austrian officials, members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations, representatives of business and industry, as well as well wishers, featured a cultural performance at the Embassy premises. Guests expressed their support to working closely with Sri Lanka, as the country steps into a new and prosperous era.
In his address during the reception, Ambassador Azeez elaborated on the vision of good governance and economic development of the Government of Sri Lanka under President Maithripala Sirisena. He particularly spoke about the Declaration of Peace issued by the Government of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the Independence Day. The new President, he stressed, has received a resounding mandate to advance reconciliation, bringing all communities together on a common platform of national unity.
Sri Lankan dancer Ms. Pavithra Fernando performed the "gajaga wannama" and other traditional dances of Sri Lanka to an enthralled audience. Guests at the reception were also treated to a Sri Lankan dinner buffet.
Embassy & Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Vienna
06th February 2015
