The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates celebrated the 77th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2025 at the Embassy premises with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in the United Arab Emirates.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Chargé d’Affaires (a.i.) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, Thakshila Arnolda, followed by the singing of the national anthem by the students of the Abu Dhabi Dhamma School. A two-minute silence was observed in tribute to the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence.
The ceremony also included the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by distinguished dignitaries present at the event. Religious observances were conducted by leaders from the Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, and Islamic communities, invoking blessings for the peace, unity, and continued prosperity of Sri Lanka. 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 in Sinhala and Tamil.
In her address, Chargé d’Affaires (a.i.), Thakshila Arnolda emphasized the government’s initiatives to drive economic growth, eliminate rural poverty, and introduce a digital transformation through advancement in science and technology, to build a united and prosperous country. She also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Sri Lankans living abroad towards the country's development and stressed the importance of their active participation in government initiatives, such as the Clean Sri Lanka campaign which aims to promote environmental protection, social responsibility, and ethical practices.
Cultural performances at the event by the “Rangapila Suandarya Kala Pasala” were a vibrant illustration of the cultural richness and diversity of Sri Lanka, showcasing traditional music, dance, and art that reflect the island's dynamic heritage.
The ceremony concluded with the attendees being treated to an array of traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon tea, offering a taste of the island’s rich culinary and cultural traditions.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Abu Dhabi
20 February 2025
