The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne, along with the Sri Lankan Community in Melbourne organized a grand ceremony to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka.
Representative of the Premier of Victoria Lee Tarlamis , representative of the Leader of Opposition Brad Battin and \MP Cassandra Fernando, graced the occasion and addressed the gathering. Former Governor of Victoria Prof. David De Kretser, former and present members of the Victorian Parliament, Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Consular Corps, Municipal Councillors, other distinguished guests and more than two hundred members of the Sri Lankan community were present.
After the multi-religious observances to invoke blessings to the country and two minutes of silence to commemorate the national heroes, the traditional oil lamp was lit by the dignitaries while Jayamangala Gatha was chanted by Sri Lankan school children. The official statement of President Ranil Wickremasinghe was read out to the gathering and vibrant dances and drumming by Sri Lankan dance troupes in Victoria added colour to the evening.
During the event, the Consul General highlighted Sri Lanka’s progress in trade, investment and tourism, emphasizing the opportunities available in these areas for Sri Lankan and Australian business communities in Victoria, and invited both communities to engage with the Consulate in developing these sectors to promote Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
The event also recognized high -achieving Sri Lankan students who had obtained high grades in the Victoria Certificate of Education exams in academic excellence, Sinhala language and Tamil language. Thirteen students were presented awards and certificates by the various dignitaries who attended the event.
Efforts were also made to ensure that the event was carbon-neutral. The carbon emissions in the preparations leading to the event and the event itself were calculated, taking into account such categories as travel, food, waste and consumables and arrangements have been made to reforest an acre of Bundala National Park to offset those emissions.
The event which brought accolades for upholding the pride of the motherland was a collective effort of the Consulate General, the Sri Lankan community members and associations.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne
08 February 2023
