The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angelescelebratedthe 65th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka at a grand scale atRedondo Beach Performing Arts Center Auditorium, California, USA on 10th February 2013. The event was attended by well over 1200 guests.
The Official Ceremony comprised ofunfurling the Sri Lankan National Flag, singing the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and the USA,observing one minute silence to commemorate all those who contributed to the independence of Sri Lanka, lighting the traditional oil lamp,religious observances by priests of four major religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity) and reading the Independence Day Message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka. Dr. Hector Weerasinghe, the Consul General of Sri Lanka unfurled the National Flag in the presence of a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the Chambers of Commerce, Businessmen, etc.
The Consul General welcomed all the distinguished guests participated at the celebrations. In his remarks, the Consul General highlighted the remarkable achievements Sri Lanka has made in the recent past under the visionary leadership of His Excellency MahindaRajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka.
Several proclamations and commendations were presented to the Consul General the by the US Government officials to congratulate the 65th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka and to renew the relationship between the two countries.
A colourful Sri Lankan traditional cultural show was presented by the Sri Lankan talents in California soon after the official ceremony.
To mark the occasion, theConsulate General of Sri Lanka published a souvenir and distributed among those who participated at the celebrations. The Consulate General also organized a Reception inviting high ranking USofficials, Diplomatic community, businessmen and Sri Lankan Community members after the ceremony.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Los Angeles
11thFebruary 2013
