Sri LankaÂ’s National Day celebrated in Brazil

Sri Lanka’s National Day, marking the 63rd anniversary of the country’s independence from foreign colonial domination was celebrated at a simple but impressive ceremony at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil on 04th February 2011.

The function which was attended by around 50 guests included members of the small Sri Lankan community in the city and a cross-section of Brazilian society, commenced in the morning with the hoisting of the National Flag by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Brazil, A.M.J. Sadiq at the Embassy premises.

This was followed by the singing of the National Anthems of Brazil and    Sri Lanka.  Thereafter, two minutes silence was observed in memory of the national heroes who had fought for Sri Lanka’s independence from colonial rule and the members of the three Armed Forces, the Police and the Civil Defence Force who had laid down their lives to protect the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity.

Ambassador Sadiq lit the traditional brass oil lamp along with the Chief Guest, Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, Ambassador George Prata, religious dignitaries, the Ambassadors of India, Pakistan and Nepal and special invitees.

Religious rites were performed by the clergy representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam, symbolizing the peaceful co-existence of the four main religions of the world represented in Sri Lanka, which added an aura of solemn dignity to the function.  They invoked blessings upon President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his good health and long life and prayed for peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka.

Thereafter, the National Day Messages of His Excellency the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of External Affairs were read.  Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sadiq noted that the people of        Sri Lanka are able to celebrate the National Day in a climate free of terror or intimidation, following the defeat of terrorism in May 2009 under the wise and dynamic leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.  The Ambassador pointed out that the return of peace and stability to the country has enabled Sri Lanka to embark on a rapid economic growth trajectory.  He pointed out that even during the period of conflict under President Rajapaksa’s first term of office between 2005 and 2010, it had been possible for the per capita income to be doubled from US$ 1000 to over US$ 2000.  He said that the Government has an ambitious target to double it once more to US$ 4000 during the second term of President Rajapaksa’s presidency.  

Ambassador Sadiq in his remarks hoped that Brazil which has emerged as global economic power, would under the leadership of President Dilma Rousseff strengthen relations with countries of the Asian region.  He noted that there is great potential for Sri Lanka and Brazil to cooperate in a number of areas such as trade and commerce, agriculture, industry, scientific and technology among others.

The Chief of Protocol Ambassador George Prata addressing the gathering reciprocated the sentiments expressed by the Sri Lankan Ambassador and stated that the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil would lend its support and assistance to the Embassy of Sri Lanka to promote greater cooperation between the two countries.

The ceremony was brought to a close with the serving of traditional  Sri Lankan food and refreshments to the guests.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Brasilia.

04th February 2011