The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto celebrated the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka at the Toronto Pavilion with the participation of over a thousand invitees, including a cross-section of the Sri Lankan-Canadian community representing the business community, professionals, academics, community members, and the members of the Consular Corps in Toronto.
The Independence Day messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka were read out at the event. A two-minute silence was observed in honour of Sri Lankan national heroes and the national anthem was played in Sinhala and Tamil. Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow had sent a congratulatory message for the celebrations.
In his remarks, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Toronto, Thushara Rodrigo stated that the pre-colonial value system of Sri Lanka unified all ethnicities of the country into one nation, which led the independence struggle towards a great victory. He further pointed out that the real meaning of independence is Sri Lanka's capacity to be united as a nation and defeat the evil forces that create sharp divisions in the society. He highlighted the importance of reinforcing the democracy and the democratic values in the country to ensure a dignified and respected integration of Sri Lanka in the region and the globe in the 21st century.
The official programme was followed by vibrant multicultural performances staged by 250 performers from leading Sri Lankan-Canadian dance schools, representing the Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, and Malay communities in Toronto. The event was given broad media coverage.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Toronto
20 February 2025
