The 67th Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was celebrated at the Chancery premises of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai on 4th February 2015.
Several members of the Sri Lankan community living in Southern India participated at the event. Hon. K. Velayudam, Minister of State for Plantation Industries who was on a visit to Tamil Nadu was invited by the Deputy High Commissioner to hoist the national flag. The national anthem was played followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Hon. Minister, Deputy High Commissioner, Heads of Bank of Ceylon Branch and SriLankan Airlines in Chennai and representatives of Sri Lankan pensioners, businessmen and residents.
The programme included invocation of blessings by the priests of the four major religious faiths in Sri Lanka namely Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The Independence Day Messages of H.E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Foreign Minister were read by the Mission staff.
In his tri-lingual speech, Hon. Minister Velayudham informed the gathering about the peaceful developments in Sri Lanka and called upon the Indian political and business leadership to enhance assistance to and investments in Sri Lanka. Hon. Minister also appreciated the positive understanding of the new developments in Sri Lanka by the Tamil Nadu public and leaders.
The Deputy High Commissioner highlighted the remarkable developments in the bilateral relations, particularly at the highest political level that have paved the way for State Visits soon by the leaders of both the countries.
The traditional Sri Lankan breakfast was organized for the participants at the end of the ceremony.
Sri Lanka Deputy High Commissioner’s Office
Chennai
13th February 2015
