The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bahrain celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2023 at the Embassy premises with the participation of over 150 members from the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador-designate H.M.G.R.R.K. Wijeratne Mendis followed with the singing of the National Anthem by the students of the Sinhala Language School in Bahrain. Thereafter, the lighting of the Traditional Oil Lamp took place with the participation of Ambassador-designate Wijeratne Mendis and the representatives of the Sri Lankan community associations in Bahrain.
On the occasion, Ven. Phra Pisit and Ven. Phra Kevin from the Thai Buddhist Temple in Bahrain, Mr. Thushara Gallage from the Sri Lanka Welfare Society, Pundit Govind Joshi, Mr. Mohammed Tariq Majeed, and Reverend Father David Basil Capuchin from the Sacred Heart Church of Bahrain representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Catholic faiths took part in the religious observances, invoking blessings on the country and the people of Sri Lanka. A 2 minutes silence was observed to honour heroes and patriots who have laid down their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
Narthananjali - a fusion of Kandyan and Barathnatyam showcasing the rich and diverse culture of Sri Lanka and Srini Vibhushitha - a patriotic dance where the dancers express their love, respect and tribute were performed by Sri Lankan students of Thiranga Kala Dance Academy in Bahrain.
The Independence Day Messages of the President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M. Ali Sabry were read by Ambassador-designate Wijeratne Mendis, Mr. Mohamed Muneer and Head of Chancery Shashika Somaratne, respectively. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador-designate Wijeratne Mendis expressed confidence on the reformist Agenda of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Government of Sri Lanka under the theme “Namo Namo Matha – Let’s Leap Towards the Centenary”, to achieve economic stability and transform Sri Lanka into a competitive economy within the next 25 years.
Highlighting the entrenched commonalities, the rich cultures and the cordial bilateral relations, Ambassador-designate spoke of the qualitative progress in Bahrain-Sri Lanka relations over the years. While underscoring their contributions to both Sri Lanka and Bahrain, the Ambassador-designate urged the Sri Lankan community to extend their fullest support and cooperation to overcome the present challenges encountered by Sri Lanka. The Ambassador-designate Wijeratne Mendis also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Government of Bahrain for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Second Secretary (Employment and Welfare) of the Embassy Anusha Jayawardena delivered the Vote of Thanks. The official ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem in Tamil language. The members of the Sri Lankan community were served with refreshments following the conclusion of the ceremony.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Manama
07 February 2023
