The first Independence Day after the defeat of the scourge of terrorism was celebrated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta with great enthusiasm attended by all Sri Lankans living in Jakarta in the morning of 4th February 2010, at the Embassy premises.
The morning programme commenced with the Hoisting of the National Flag by H.E. Major General (Retd) Nanda Mallawaarachchi, Ambassador, in the presence of the Embassy Staff, Hony. Consul for Sri Lanka in Surabaya, President of the Association of Sri Lankans in Jakarta (ASLI), Committee Members of ASLI and all Sri Lankans living in Jakarta. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka.
Religious observances were conducted by Buddhist Monks, Hindu Priest, Christian Priest and Muslim Cleric. They invoked blessings on H.E. the President and the people of Sri Lanka for a peaceful and a brighter future. A two minutes silence was observed in honour of our National Heroes.
Independence Day Message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka was read out in Sinhala by the Ambassador. The Tamil version of the Message was read out by a Tamil Committee Member of the Sri Lanka Association. Messages of the Hon. Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were read out by the Diplomatic Officers of the Embassy.
Addressing the audience, H.E. the Ambassador highlighted the significance of the 62nd Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence which is now enjoyed by all communities after completely eradicating the separatist terrorist movement that was threatening our motherland for nearly 30 years.
The Ambassador also took the opportunity to thank the hospitable people of Indonesia for their cooperation and goodwill extended to Sri Lanka at all times.
At the conclusion of the programme Sri Lankan sweetmeats were served to all present.
The Ambassador hosted a Reception at Grand Melia Hotel, Jakarta in the evening of 4th February for about 300 guests including the Diplomatic Corps, senior Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Government Institutions, the Sri Lankan community and well-wishers.
H.E. Mr. H A Muhaimin Iskandar, Minister of Manpower & Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia attended the function as the Chief Guest.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Jakarta
4th February 2010
