The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore commemorated the 75th Anniversary of Independence on 04 and 06 February 2023 with the participation of high-level representatives from the government of Singapore, diplomatic corps, members of the business community, professionals, media personnel and the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Singapore.
The celebrations commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony on 4 February at the official residence of the High Commissioner. The ceremony brought together members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community domiciled in Singapore. Following the hoisting of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem in the Sinhala and Tamil languages, multi-faith religious observances were conducted. Those present also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to all those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
Speaking at the occasion, High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane highlighted the importance of the 75th Independence Day celebrations under the theme of Namo Namo Matha – "Let’s leap towards the centenary”. She stated that the theme symbolizes the desire to create a future that is safe and prosperous for all Sri Lankans, under a new economic and social reform agenda with the objectives focusing on recovery and renewed development. The High Commissioner added that the year 2023 will be a crucial year for Sri Lanka in achieving economic recovery and stressed the need for everyone’s support for the efforts taken by the government to overcome the challenges ahead. The High Commissioner appreciated the contribution of the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Singapore towards the economic development of the country and requested all overseas Sri Lankans to unite, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences, for the betterment of the motherland.
On 06 February, a diplomatic reception was also hosted at the official residence of the High Commissioner for over 200 guests with the participation of a large number of Heads of Mission, officials from the government of Singapore, the diplomatic corps, investors and business contacts, professionals from diverse disciplines and academia in Singapore. Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office of Singapore Desmond Tan, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Other guests at the event included Members of Parliament Rachel Ong and Ang Wei Neng and Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Sri Lanka Chandra Das. The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp.
Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Premawardhane emphasised that the multi-faceted Singapore-Sri Lanka relationship is underpinned by high-level cooperation, shared cultural values and strong people-to-people linkages. Briefing on the current developments, the High Commissioner invited those present to invest, trade and travel to Sri Lanka. She expressed hope that ties in political, economic, educational and employment spheres would be further strengthened. The High Commissioner took the opportunity to express appreciation for the invaluable assistance extended throughout the Covid 19 pandemic by the Government of Singapore through Temasek Foundation International, other charitable organisations and the Singapore community to support Sri Lanka’s healthcare response to the pandemic and to keep the Sri Lankans safe during the pandemic.
In his address, the Guest of Honour Minster of State Desmond Tan stated that Singapore and Sri Lanka have enjoyed longstanding, friendly relations for centuries built on a firm cultural and historic foundation. He added that both countries had been important points in the Indian Ocean trading network. The minister acknowledged the significant contributions made by Sri Lankans towards developing Singapore in diverse sectors including education, law and sports. The minister added that the trade links between the two countries have continued to deepen and noted the significant progress that has recently been made in the economic, trade and investment sectors and prospective areas of cooperation in several important sectors including export of food, hospitality, ports, renewable energy and healthcare.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, the invitees at the reception were presented a glimpse into the various dance forms of Sri Lanka with performances by the renowned Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation dancers who were flown in especially for the event courtesy of SriLankan Airlines, and the Apsaras Arts Academy which is one of the foremost exponents of Bharathanatyam in Singapore. The culinary theme for the evening was Sri Lankan Street Food, with guests being treated to the unique and diverse street cuisine of the country.
The two events were held with the support of sponsors and well-wishers.
The High Commission has lined up several events throughout the year to mark the milestone of the 75th Anniversary of Independence with a view to promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and as a trade, investment, maritime and IT hub.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Singapore
16 February 2023
