Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto organized a Flag Hoisting Ceremony as part of the celebrations to mark the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on 04 February 2020 with the participation of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Ted Arnott, Members of the Provincial Parliament, Members of the Consular Corps, dignitaries and Sri Lankan community residing in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and its suburbs. This is the first time in the history, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka organized a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Consul General of Sri Lanka Kapila Jayaweera followed by singing of the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and the Canada.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Speaker said that Canada and Sri Lanka have been long standing bilateral partners and expects the relationship to strengthen further.
In his remarks, the Consul General appreciated Canada for the strong support and contributions to implement development projects in Sri Lanka, and urged Sri Lankans in GTA to unite and work together for the benefit of all Sri Lankan expatriates and the Motherland. He expressed profound satisfaction over the progress achieved in exports to Canada which have increased by 11.5 per cent from 2018 to 2019 and Canadian direct investment in Sri Lanka which totaled to $19 million in 2018.
During the event, MPP from the Ontario Liberal Party and former Premier of Ontario Kathleen O Wynne delivered her remarks and the felicitation message from Liberal Party Leader MPP John Fraser and the felicitation message from MPP from the Green Party Mike Schreiner, was read out by the Deputy Consul General.
The event ended with a grand reception at the Legislative Assembly.
