The 66th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was celebrated in Melbourne. The official ceremony took place at the St. Kilda Towers where the Sri Lankan Consulate General is located. This was followed by an event held at the Grand Reception Hall which was attended by nearly 700 guests drawn from expatriate Sri Lankan community in Melbourne, Commonwealth and State Government parliamentarians, Local Governmentrepresentatives, members of Consular Corps,andcommunity leaders.
This was the first Sri Lankan Independence Day ceremonyorganised by the newly established Consulate General of Sri Lankain Melbourne since its inception in June last year.
Celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag in the presence of children representing the four major communities in Sri Lanka, amidst the playing of the National Anthem and the Magul Bera.
Following religious observances, lighting of the traditional oil lamp occurred with the chanting of Jaya Mangala Gatha. Independence Day Messages from His Excellency the President, the Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Minister of External Affairs were read.
The Consul General Mr. H.G.U. Pushpakumara addressing the gathering highlighted the unprecedented development the country has recorded,peace and stability enjoyed by Sri Lankans in all parts of the country since the end of the conflict, initiatives in place for national reconciliation, and abiding friendship and strengthening relations between Australia and Sri Lanka.
A presentation of awards and certificates of excellence to students of expatriate Sri Lankan parents in recognition of their high academic achievements at the Victorian Certificate of Education 2013 was also held at the ceremony. In all, there were 24 students who were so recognised.
The ceremony concluded with a cultural performance by several groups of Sri Lankandancers highlighting the rich cultural diversity of Sri Lanka.
