The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul organized four events to commemorate the 66th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.
The staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy gathered in the Embassy premises on the morning of February 4th to celebrate the Independence Day commemoration of Sri Lanka. H. E. the Ambassador Tissa Wijeratne unfurled the national flag, which was followed by the singing of the national anthem and a two-minute silence, to honour fallen heroes, and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. The four main religions - Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity - were represented in the event.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Korea, in collaboration with the Millennium Seoul Hilton and the Colombo Hilton, organized a Sri Lankan food festival at the Orangerie Restaurant of the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Seoul on 05th February 2014. Two veteran Sri Lankan chefs from Colombo Hilton demonstrated authentic, traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, providing a chance for the food lovers from all regions to taste Sri Lankan food. The festival commenced with a press luncheon on 5th February 2014 at the Orangerie Restaurant. More than hundred and fifty guests attended, including personnel from leading Korean media, VIPs and the chief guest, Mr. Tissa Wijeratne, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Korea. The festival commenced on 5th February 2014 and will continue until 28th February 2014.
On the evening of February 6th, Ambassador Wijeratne hosted a reception at the Millennium Hilton Hotel to mark the Independence Day of Sri Lanka. Hon. Na Seung-il, Vice Minister of Education and Hon. Shin Sung Bum, President of the Korea - Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association were special guests at the event. Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Shin mentioned that Sri Lanka and South Korea are strengthening co-operation in various fields in order to expand bilateral relations. Addressing the gathering which included Korean officials, diplomats, the business community, travel, trade, cultural and academic organizations and the media, H. E. the Ambassador explained that the Republic of Korea has been a critical partner for Sri Lanka since the relations were established in 1968 where the collaboration has expanded and strengthened over the years.
He further stated that Sri Lanka remains grateful to the Korean Government, especially in the sphere of development assistance. Many Sri Lankans are being employed in the Republic of Korea where these workers are making significant contributions to the economic development of both Korea and Sri Lanka. The launch of direct flight services from Seoul to Colombo by Korean Air in the year 2013 has resulted in increased tourism activities between the two countries.
On 9th February 2014, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul celebrated the 66th Anniversary of independence with Sri Lankans living in the community. A large number of Sri Lankans and Korean friends attended the ceremony, braving the winter weather. Hon. Song, Young-Gil, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, Ambassador Ma Young Sam, Representative of Government of Korea, as the Guests of Honour, senior government officials, members of the business community, officials of migrant centers, media organizations, Korean friends of Sri Lanka and members of the Sri Lankan community were among them.
The official programme started with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Wijeratne, singing of the national anthem, observation of two minutes silence to honour fallen heroes of Sri Lanka and lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Symbolic cake cutting was followed by Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian religious observances to invoke blessings upon the President of Sri Lanka and its people. The Independence Day message of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa was read by the officials of the Embassy. Letters of Appreciation were presented to fifteen well-wishers, who have rendered commendable service to the Sri Lankan community in Korea. The audience also enjoyed the dances of talented Sri Lankan Dancers. The ceremony adorned the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka.
Seoul,
11th February 2014
