The Representative Office of Sri Lanka in the State of Palestine celebrated Sri Lanka’s 67th anniversary of Independence on 4th February 2015.
The event was held at the Grand Park Hotel in Ramallah with the participation of senior officials, members of Diplomatic Corps, a large number of Palestinian friends of Sri Lanka, Representatives of the business community and Sri Lankan expatriates. Dr. Tayseer Jaradat, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine was the Chief Guest and Dr. Khaireyeh Rasas, Personal Advisor of the Prime Minister graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. After the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and Palestine were sung, multi religious observances were conducted. The Independence Day messages of H. E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were read at the ceremony.
Mr. Siraj Ahamed, Officer-in-Charge welcoming the gathering elaborated on the significance of the Independence Day and highlighted the long standing solidarity and cordial relations existing between Sri Lanka and Palestine. He also explained the current development activities taking place in Sri Lanka. Mr. Ahamed also thanked the Palestinian government for the greetings and felicitations from the Government of Palestine and for the contributions made by Palestine – Sri Lanka Friendship Association, business community, travel agents etc. to enhance the close relations between the two countries.
Dr. Tayseer Jaradat, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his remarks congratulated Sri Lanka on her 67th anniversary of Independence and conveyed the greetings and best wishes to H. E. the President and the people of Sri Lanka.
He also highlighted the continued support extended by the Government of Sri Lanka to the Palestine cause. He further said that the Government and the people of the State of Palestine would always be grateful to the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the continued support extended to the Palestinian cause and expressed hope that the existing relations between the two countries will be further strengthened under the leadership of H. E. President Maithripala Sirisena.
A documentary on Sri Lanka’s rich culture heritage and beauty also was screened during the event.
The celebration was followed by a reception.
Representative Office of Sri Lanka
Ramallah
15th February 2015
