The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto organized flag hoisting ceremony in connection with the 71st Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Toronto City Hall on 4th February 2019, with the participation of expatriate Sri Lankans residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and adjacent cities.
The event commenced with hoisting of the national flag, singing the national anthem in Sinhala and Tamil languages and the Canadian national anthem, followed by observance of one-minute silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. The message of H. E. the President Maithripala Sirisena was read by Consul General in Toronto, Mr. K.S.Jayaweera, while those of Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana were read by Deputy Consul General Ms. J.A.D.S.P. Wijegunasekera, and Consul Mr. L.G. Dissanayake.
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Mr. Jayaweera appreciated the cooperation of the Sri Lankan community towards realization of objectives of the Consulate as well as unity among the Sri Lankans in Canada. The Consul General also thanked everyone, who sent warm greetings to Sri Lanka and its people.
A cultural event will be organized as a part of the Independence Day celebrations during this month.