National Day, which commemorates the 62nd Anniversary of Independence, was celebrated at the Embassy on Thursday 04th February 2010 amongst Sri Lankans and their family members who were invited to the function. The Programme commenced with hoisting of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem. Messages of H.E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs where read after the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Multi religious observances and observing two minutes silence for the people who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, were also observed.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Mrs. Pamela J. Deen, Ambassador highlighted the importance of the National Day this year, as it was celebrated without any fear or suspicion after defeating LTTE terrorism that prevailed in the country. Recalling the National Day address of H.E. the President in 2009, she stated that the President had appealed to the Sri Lankans living abroad to return to Sri Lanka and join hands with the government to rebuild the Motherland. She also urged the Sri Lankan expatriate community to extend their support in rebuilding the country, especially the North and the East.
In this exercise, she requested them to participate in the reconstruction of the railway line called “Uthuru Mithuru” which is the Yal Devi friendship rail track construction project linking the North to the South. For this purpose the ambassador repeated the gathering to purchase tickets, which were available at the Mission.
Referring to the Jaffna Public Library she mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was instrumental in reconstructing the library, even though it was not restored to its past glory as it was known as the best library in South Asia. She appealed to the gathering to assist the Ministry to restore it to the original condition.
Having arrived in Poland recently, the Ambassador also informed the Sri Lankans that she was planning to celebrate the important cultural and other religious events in future and requested their cooperation in this regard.
Lunch was served to the participants.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Poland
5-02-2010
