The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar celebrated the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka at the Embassy premises in Doha on 04 February 2025.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka by Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Doha, Sithara Khan and the singing of the national anthem by the students of the Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha. A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of all the national heroes who have sacrificed their lives for Sri Lanka. The traditional oil lamp was then lit by the Ambassador accompanied by four students representing the four major ethnicities in Sri Lanka.
Religious observances representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths were conducted by religious dignitaries to invoke blessings on the country and its people. The Independence Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were also read out at the ceremony by members of the staff of the Mission.
Ambassador Sithara Khan, in her address to the gathering, appreciated the contribution made by the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Qatar to Sri Lanka’s economy and the pride they bring to the country through their hard work, dedication and professionalism. Quoting the Independence Day message of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayake to “…build a modern, developed Sri Lankan nation, guided by social, environmental and ethical principles”, Ambassador Khan stated that while Sri Lanka is striving to rejuvenate its economy, strengthen democratic institutions and harness the potential of its rich human and natural resources towards a national renaissance, the contributions of the Sri Lankan diaspora, including those in Qatar, would be instrumental in this journey.
The participants at the ceremony were served with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast.
Following the celebrations, the Ambassador and the staff attended Independence Day events organized by the Sri Lankan community in Doha.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Doha
06 February 2025
