The High Commission of Sri Lanka to Seychelles celebrated the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Official Residence in Machabe on 04 February 2020, with the participation of religious leaders, dignitaries of the Seychelles institutions and Sri Lankans living in Seychelles.
Charge d' Affaires Tharushi Gunathilake hoisted the National Flag, commencing the celebration of the Independence day amidst the sound of Magul Bera where all the participants joined in singing the National Anthem.
Following lighting of the Traditional Oil Lamp by Ms. Gunathilake together with the Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St.John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta Alessandra Azais Tatistscheff and Dignitaries, a two minutes silence was observed in Commemorating the National War Heroes and those who scarified their lives for the Peace, Independence and sovereignty of the Motherland during the past period. The religious leaders representing the Buddhist, Christianity, Hindu and Islam religions blessed Sri Lanka and all the Sri Lankans living in Seychelles.
The Charge d’ Affaires welcoming all participants, highlighted the importance of the day, the positive developments of the country and the bilateral relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Ms. Gunathilake read a message of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Message was read out by President of Sri Lankan Association in Seychelles while that of Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardhana, was read by President of Seychelles Buddhist Association.
The Official Ceremony concluded with the serving of Sri Lankan Traditional Foods to all participants.
