The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Lebanon celebrated the 62nd National Day in the morning of 04th February 2010 at the Embassy premises. The official function commenced, after hoisting the national flag by the Ambassador in the presence of all religious representatives, Embassy staff, Sri Lankan community and representatives of Sri Lanka Associations in Lebanon. After observing a two minute silence in gratitude of our national heroes, religious observances of all religions were conducted.
The messages of H.E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Foreign Minister were read out in the presence of a gathering of around 200.
H.E. the Ambassador emphasized the importance of the National Day and the traditions of Sri Lankans who continue this great function in a very warm and prestigious manner. The function concluded with a reception with traditional Sri Lankan food for the participants.
Celebrations on the 7th February
On the evening of 7 February there was another reception held at the UNESCO Palace Hall in Lebanon for the VVIPP, diplomats, Lebanese business personnel including travel agents, employment agents, money exchangers and Sri Lankan community. As this was the first ceremony in this nature organized by the Embassy since its inception in 1998, enthusiasm was shown by the Sri Lankan community in an appreciative manner. Many of them were domestic workers and they had the opportunity to mingle with the dignitaries, diplomats and other invitees.
This reception is almost like a Sri Lanka promotional activity as well and included a handicraft and cultural exhibition with Batik and brass products, Sri Lankan exotic fruits etc., followed by Sri Lankan films to promote Sri Lanka. The theme of the reception was not only celebrating the National day but also to promote Sri Lanka as one of the best tourist destinations in the world.
The Chief Guest of the function was His Excellency Ali Hussein Shami, Minister of Foreign Affairs who officially represented the President of Lebanon General Michel Sleiman. Mr. Elie Aoun, M.P., Consultant represented His Excellency Nabih Berri, President of Lebanese Parliament; Her Excellency Mona Ofeish, Minister of State represented His Excellency Saad Rafik Hariri, Prime Minister; Sheikh Wadih Raffoul, Counsellor represented His Excellency Tarek Mitri, Information Minister and Mr. Faraj Kerbaj, Advisor represented His Excellency Salim Sayegh, Minister of Social Affairs.
The Ambassador in his address said that on 26th January, Sri Lanka had an electoral process to elect the executive President. This was the first election after the country was liberated from the menace of terrorism that threatened the territorial integrity, peace and prosperity for over two and half decades. The President, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa won a resounding victory for the second time in the elections and Sri Lanka has once again proved to be a democratic country in the world. He also emphasized the existing relationship between Lebanon and Sri Lanka. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s investment and business climate which is available for Lebanese entrepreneurs to take advantage.
Both national anthems of Sri Lanka and Lebanon were sung by a bevy of children of “Sipsathara” Sunday School of the Mission. The singing of both national anthems in Sinhala and Arabic by children won the hearts of the Foreign Minister and other Lebanese dignitaries. They expressed the view that they had never experienced that expatriate children singing their national anthem in a proper manner.
The function was attended by the officials of the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Labour, General Security, travel agents, employment agents and many well-wishers comprising of about 700 guests including Sri Lankans.
The function was praised by many saying that this was the first time such a large scale National Day function was organized since the inception of the Embassy 12 years ago. The souvenir published giving elaborative details in both English and Arabic promoting Sri Lanka tourism and trade was also praised by many guests. It was a colourful occasion which was given an opportunity to be aware of Sri Lanka.
National Day Celebrations in Syria
Hony. Consul for Sri Lanka in Syria, Dr. Mohammed Moussallam Al Droubi, has organized the National Day Celebrations on the 03rd of February 2010 at the Al-Noubalaa Palace in Damascus.
The Ambassador, Madam Mahroof and Minister Mr. Gauthamadasa participated. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria and few politicians, Ambassadors, Hony. Consuls of various countries and businessmen attended this function.
National anthems of both countries were played. H.E. Meerasahib Mahroof, Ambassador addressing the gathering highlighted the long standing relationship between Sri Lanka and Syria. He also emphasized the recent development in Sri Lanka and elaborated that on 26th January, Sri Lanka had an electoral process to elect the executive President. This was the first election after the country was liberated from the menace of terrorism that threatened the territorial integrity, peace and prosperity for over two and half decades. The President, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa won a resounding victory for the second time in the elections and Sri Lanka has once again proved to be a democratic country in the world. He also emphasized the existing relationship between Lebanon and Sri Lanka. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s investment and business climate which is available for Lebanese entrepreneurs to take advantage.
Tourism promotion film of Sri Lanka was screened throughout the function at the hotel. About 250 invitees attended the function.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beirut
06-02-2010
