The 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka was celebrated by the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in Palestine on 4th February 2023 at Caesar Hotel in Ramallah.
Representative Nawalage Bennet Cooray presided over the function. Minister of National Economy of the State of Palestine Khaled Al-Osaily was the Chief Guest.
A large number of invitees including cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, high officials from the President’s Office and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expatriates, diplomats, NGO representatives, members of the Chambers of Commerce, mayors, tea importers, travel agents, members of the Palestine-Sri Lanka Friendship Society and well wishers of Sri Lanka attended the event.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag and lighting of the traditional oil Lamp, followed by the singing of the national anthems of both countries and religious observances. Independence Day messages of the President, Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs were read to the gathering.
Welcoming the invitees, Representative Cooray elaborated on the significance of Sri Lanka's independence. He briefed on the developments taking place in Sri Lanka including the political and socio-economic progress that has been made under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The representative also highlighted the long-lasting solidarity and friendship that exists between Sri Lanka and Palestine. He recalled the support of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka to the Palestine cause and for a two-State solution on the basis of relevant UN resolutions.
Minister Khaled A-Osaily in his remarks congratulated Sri Lanka on the 75th Anniversary and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, the government and the people of the State of Palestine to the President and the people of Sri Lanka.
The function concluded with a video on the 75th Independence Day and a lunch. Recognizing that Palestinians have a taste for Sri Lankan tea, the guests were gifted pure Ceylon Tea.
The Representative Office of Sri Lanka
Ramallah
15 February 2023
