The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Israel celebrated the 71st anniversary of Independence on the 04th of February 2019 at the Chancery premises with the participation of a cross section of the Sri Lankan community living in Israel, the Embassy officials and their families and Israeli well-wishers.
The official ceremony proceedings commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Periyasamy Pillai Selvaraj to the accompaniment of “Magul Bera”, followed by singing of the National Anthem both in Sinhala and Tamil languages.
Thereafter, two minutes silence was observed in remembrance of all those who had sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
The traditional oil lamp was lit by the Ambassador, staff, members of the Sri Lankan community and the Israeli friends.
Venerable Pannanando Thero conducted the Buddhist religious observances and blessings followed by other religious dignitaries representing other faiths who blessed Sri Lanka and its people.
The Independence Day messages of H E the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out by the members of the staff in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.
In his address, Ambassador Selvaraj extended a warm welcome to the participants. He highlighted that Sri Lanka is a multi- ethnic, multi- lingual, multi- religious and multi- cultural society and therefore, it is the paramount duty of all Sri Lankans living in Israel to work as a family and contribute for the betterment of the Mother Land.
In connection with the Sri Lanka – Israel bilateral relations, he noted that the relations between the two countries are cordial and friendly and expressed that people-to-people contact between the two countries would further enhance the existing relations. He also congratulated and thanked the Sri Lankan community in Israel for their contribution towards Sri Lanka.
The National Day ceremony concluded with the cutting of the cake and serving refreshment, including milk rice, sweetmeat and also Kewum and Kokis to all participants.
