The Sri Lanka High Commission in Dhaka celebrated the National Day at the “Sri Lanka Residence” on 4th February 2013.
The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by High Commissioner Sarath K. Weragoda, amidst the beating of Magul Bera witnessed by Sri Lankan Military officers undergoing training in Bangladesh led by Brigadier A. Kariyakarawana from National Defence College and a large gathering of the Sri Lankan Community including children from Sri Lanka School in Dhaka. Two-minutes of silence was observed in honour of the National Heroes of Sri Lanka, followed by multi-religious observances, conducted by the clergy representing Buddhists, Hindus, Islam and Christians.
The High Commissioner recalled the proud history of Sri Lanka and the Kings and Leaders who fought for unification of the country. The High Commissioner further stated that all Sri Lankans are in a position to raise the National Flag with dignity and pride in every corner of the country due to the untiring and determined efforts of H.E the President MahindaRajapaksa.
The Diplomatic Community in Bangladesh were invited to a reception in the evening where HE Mr. DilipBarua, Minister of Industries was the Chief Guest representing the Government of Bangladesh. Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Retired Diplomats of Bangladesh, High Ranking Officers of Armed Forces and Government, Vice Chancellors of Universities, and many distinguished personalities attended the reception.The chief guest and the Heads of Mission of SAARC in Dhaka joined the High Commissioner to cut the National Day Cake.
Welcoming the gathering the High Commissioner briefed on the infrastructural programmes initiated under the guidance of President Rajapaksa. The Chief Guest in his speech, recalled the cordial relationship between two countries.
On the same day a dinner reception was also held for the Sri Lankan community with the participation of over 400 Sri Lankans residing in Bangladesh.
A Paper Supplement was published to commemorate the National Day in the “Independent” a Bangladeshi English Daily newspaper and the High Commission also published a special Souvenir which was distributed among the invitees.
