The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore together with the Sri Lankan community and friends of Sri Lanka in Singapore celebrated the 71st anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence at the High Commissioner’s Official Residence on 4th February 2019. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Acting High Commissioner Mr O.L. Ameer Ajwad and the singing of the National Anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil languages followed by a two-minute silence in remembrance of all who sacrificed lives for the motherland.
The traditional Oil Lamp was lit by the Acting High Commissioner, representatives from different ethnic communities, various Sri Lankan organizations/associations based in Singapore, senior citizens of the Sri Lankan expatriate community and representatives from the Sri Lankan migrant workers in Singapore. Multi-faith religious observances were conducted to invoke blessings to the country and the people of Sri Lanka. The Independence Day Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs were also read out to the gathering.
Acting High Commissioner O. L. Ameer Ajwad in his remarks emphasised that it is the responsibility of Sri Lankans belonging to all ethnicities to safeguard the hard-won independence by celebrating and cherishing the country’s rich cultural diversity with long held tradition of understanding and tolerance. The Acting High Commissioner also invited all Sri Lankans in Singapore, as goodwill Ambassadors between the two countries, to join hands in order to promote people-to-people linkages, whereby contributing to further strengthen relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore for the mutual benefit of both the peoples.
The invitees were served with a traditional breakfast comprising milk rice, sweetmeats, Ceylon tea, and with a cake specially made for the occasion at the end of the programme.
The High Commission is also hosting a diplomatic reception on 12 February 2019, with the participation of representatives and officials from the Government of Singapore, members of diplomatic corps, business community, academia, and a host of well-wishers to celebrate the 71st Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka. A Sri Lankan “food festival” scheduled to be held at Hotel Mandarin Orchard, Singapore from 13-15 February, will be this year’s special event organised by the High Commission in celebrating Sri Lanka’s Independence in Singapore.
