The Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit in a befitting manner with the participation of Sri Lankans and Nigerians at High Commission premises on Monday 4 February 2019 at Abuja in Nigeria under the stewardship of High Commissioner.
The commemoration got off the ground with unfurling of National Flag by the Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in Nigeria Mr. Thambirajah Raveenthiran. Other programme of observances comprised lighting of traditional ceremonial oil lamp, reading National day messages of the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister, singing of National Anthem and observation of two-minute silence in memory of those patriots who sacrificed their lives for mother land.
The High Commissioner during the course of his welcoming speech highlighted on the significance of the occasion. The High Commissioner further remarked all the people in Sri Lanka need to be united as one people leaving aside petty and parochial political, religious, and ethnic differences for the independence to become truly meaningful.
Some Nigerian businessmen and importers of goods from Sri Lanka participated in this year's celebrations. About 50 compatriots and Nigerian well-wishers graced this splendid occasion. Most of them had travelled from distant places such as Lagos and this year celebrations attracted a larger participation than last year.
At the end of the ceremony the participants were treated to a Sri Lanka culinary delights. The participants enjoyed memorable quality time.
