The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka celebrated the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka at the High Commission premises on 04 February 2025 with the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh.
The ceremony featured the hoisting of the national flag, singing of the national anthem, recital of Jayamangala Gatha, conduct of multi-faith religious observances by religious leaders representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian / Catholic, and Islamic faiths and observing a two-minute silence paying respects to national heroes and all those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. The Independence Day messages of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath were read out at the occasion. The students of the Sri Lanka School in Bangladesh performed a special cultural dance item at the event.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody highlighted the main development goals of the Government of Sri Lanka including eradicating rural poverty, implementing the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, and building a digital economy, and requested the fullest cooperation of the Sri Lankan community living in Bangladesh to build a prosperous nation. The High Commissioner appreciated the significant contribution of all Sri Lankans living overseas that stands as a pillar of strength to the country’s development journey. He also underscored the importance of the Sri Lankan expatriate community's support towards successfully implementing the Clean Sri Lanka initiative launched at the beginning of this year, which aims to uplift the Sri Lankan society to greater heights through a social, environmental, and ethical revival.
Referring to the longstanding and friendly bilateral partnership between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody stated that both countries have shown keen interest to further expand the existing multifaceted partnership into a more dynamic political, trade, and business partnership through renewed initiatives.
The proceedings of the programme ended with the serving of traditional Sri Lankan delicacies.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Dhaka
06 February 2025
