Special religious ceremonies were held in several places in Paris, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.
The events commenced on Sunday, 3rd February 2013 with religious ceremonies at the International Buddhist Centre in La Bourget, under the guidance of the Chief Sangha Nayake of France, the Ven. Parawahera Chandraratne Thero, and in association with the Ven. Murugasyaye Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the La Blanc Mesnil Temple and the Ven. Kongasdeniye Ananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of the La Courneurve Temple.
Special celebration of independence also took place at Saint Bernadette’s Church in Levalois - Perret, Paris under the guidance of the Rev. Roy Clarence. This was followed by a special mass and reception.
The main ceremony to commemorate Independence on Monday, 4th February 2013 took place at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris with the participation of religious dignitaries representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic faiths.
Following an almsgiving, the national flag of Sri Lanka was hoisted, followed by the singing of the national anthem, lighting of the traditional oil lamp and the observances of two minutes of silence for patriots and fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The 65th Independence Day Messages were read in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
In the evening, a reception was held at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris for the Sri Lanka community.
Following the singing of the national anthem and the observances of two minutes of silence, the speech made by His Excellency the President in Trincomalee was relayed on wide screen to the guests present.
Charge d’ Affaires Ms. W. S. Perera addressing the occasion noted the supreme sacrifice made by our freedom fighters over the centuries and the dedication and commitment with which the armed forces defeated terrorism and ensured the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
Ms. Perera also highlighted the salient aspects of the independence struggle and the need to continue to strive always to preserve this hard fought freedom.
She noted the development taking place in Sri Lanka and commended the role of the Sri Lankan community in France and called on them to support the endeavours and the efforts of the country.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Paris
5th February 2013
