දූත මණ්ඩල මාධ්‍ය නිවේදන

Tamara Kunanayakam, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Cuba, paid her last respects to Alberto Granado, Argentinean born biochemist, long time friend and companion of Ernesto “Che” Guevara, who passed away on  5 March 2011, at the age of 88. Alberto Granado was a great admirer of Sri Lanka and its unrelenting quest for a just world order through the Non-Alignment Movement. .

Preparations are being finalized for the holding of the Quasimodo Fair in Argentan, Normandie in April this year at which Sri Lanka is to be featured as the Guest-of-Honour.

On the occasion of celebrating Sri Lanka’s 63rd Independence Day, an official ceremony was held at the Embassy  on 4th February morning with the participation of over 400 Sri Lankan nationals  and well-wishers. Sheikh Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Jabr Al-Sabah graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag amidst the sound of traditional drums followed by the recital of the national anthem.  The ceremonial oil lamp was lit thereafter, followed by the observance of a 02-minutes silence in honour of national heroes.

 

A formal ceremony was held in commemoration of the 63rd Anniversary of independence on 4th February 2010 at the Office of the Consulate General. The proceedings began with the hoisting of the National Flag, playing of the National Anthem, religious observances, and the reading of messages of HE the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of   External Affairs.

The Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom invited representatives of Thailand, Myanmar and Nepal embassies to discuss the issue of using Buddha  images for commercial purposes.  Thida Aung, Minister Counsellor of Myanmar Embassy,  Rutchabhoom Boonrawd, First Secretary of Thailand Embassy and  Khimanand Bhusal, Attache of Nepal Embassy attended the meeting held on 15.02.2011 at the High Commission premises. The discussion centred on the restaurant in operation in Fulham area of London by the name of ‘Greedy Buddha’, serving Nepalese food.

 

A gathering of approximately 175 Sri Lankan community members attended the Independence Day celebrations held on 4th February at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises in Canberra. The proceedings began with the hoisting of the national flag and playing of the national anthem. Religious dignitaries representing the four main faiths of Sri Lanka were represented at the function and conducted religious observances. A two minute silence was observed for soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the conflict and this was followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by invitees and representatives of the Sri Lankan community in Canberra. The messages of H E the President, Hon Prime Minister and the Minister of External Affairs were read out on the occasion. Ms Sashikala Premawardhane, Acting High Commissioner addressing the gathering called on Sri Lankan expatriates to contribute to the development of the country. Mr Mark Pierce, Asst. Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and several other representatives of the Department were present for the ceremony. A traditional Sri Lankan dinner was served following the ceremony.