The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto organized the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2023 with the participation of Sri Lankan-Canadians living in the Ontario province.
Head of the Peel Region Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Prof. Sivakumar Gulasingam, both prominent individuals of Sri Lankan heritage in Canada were invited as the Guests of Honor for this historic anniversary celebration. Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah was represented by Superintendent Raj Biring at the celebration. Both Superintendent Raj Biring and Prof. Sivakumar Gulasingam in their remarks at the event congratulated Sri Lanka and her people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of independence.
The messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka were delivered at the event.
Consul General of Sri Lanka in Toronto Thushara Rodrigo addressed the gathering inviting all Sri Lankan Canadians to support the reconciliation and economic recovery efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka and to closely work with the Consulate General to achieve these objectives. The Consul General highlighted the importance of the geographical location of the island for the world maritime security network and international trade, and requested Sri Lankan-Canadian expatriates and the business community to take advantage of Sri Lanka's geo-strategic location to further expand economic engagement with Sri Lanka and enter the Asian market through this gateway.
The celebration included a multicultural dance performance, a Sri Lankan Batik fashion show, a tourism promotion segment, and Sri Lanka's Lion Beer brand promotion. Guests were served authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
The Sri Lankan expatriate community and well-wishers supported the Consulate General to organize the celebration through sponsorships and in-kind contributions.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Toronto
13 February 2023
