The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta celebrated the 66th Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Embassy premises on 04th February 2014, with the participation of religious leaders, dignitaries of the Indonesian institutions and agencies, a large number of Sri Lankans living in Indonesia and Indonesian school children, who joined for the occasion for the first time in the history of the Embassy in Jakarta.
Mr. Lalith U Gamage, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta hoisted the National Flag commencing the celebration of the Independence Day amidst magual bera where all the participants were joined in singing the National Anthem. After lighting the traditional oil lamp by Mr. Lalith U Gamage, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy and his spouse, together with the dignitaries, members of the Associations of Sri Lankans (ASLI), the representatives of Mihin Lanka and sales director of Dilmah Tea in Indonesia, a two minutes silence was observed in commemorating the National War Heroes and those who scarified their lives for the peace, independence and sovereignty of the motherland during the thirty years struggle against terrorism, in the country. The religious leaders representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Christianity and Islam religions blessed Sri Lanka and all the Sri Lankans living in Indonesia.
Mr. Lalith U Gamage, Charge d’Affaires addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of the day, the positive developments of the country and the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. He further indicated the significance of preserving the unity and freedom that is being enjoyed by all Sri Lankans today. The Independence Day message of H.E. the President and the messages of Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were read by the Charge d’Affaires and the members of the staff.
The Embassy has provided the school children of Barunawathi Primary School the opportunity to participate in the occasion and one of the students delivered a speech wishing Sri Lanka on her 66th Independence Day celebrations and marking the cordial relationship between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The school children were offered gift packets by Hon. Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, Mr. Dilan Perera, who has visited the Embassy on the day as a Special Envoy of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka to Indonesia.
All dignitaries, Sri Lankans living in Indonesia and school children enjoyed the traditional Sri Lanka food. The participants were presented with Sri Lankan Tea and a special package from Mihin Lanka.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Jakarta
Indonesia
