Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya hoists the National Flag at the Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC , on the 66th Independence Day of Sri Lanka
(February 4, 2014 )
Sri Lanka expects genuine & meaningful support for reconciliation from international community - Ambassador Wickramasuriya
Sri Lankan Cultural Spectacle at Kennedy Center Millennium Stage Captivates US audience
The Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington DC has organized a series of events to celebrate the 66thAnniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence in Washington DC.
The Official Ceremony was held at the chancery on February 4th with the participation of representatives of the Sri Lankan-American community.
Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya welcomes the guests at the reception hosted at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (The Kennedy Center) in Washington. Mrs. Priyanga Wickramasuriya is also in the photograph, (February 4, 2014)
The event commenced with Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya ceremonially hoisting the National Flag amidst the beating of traditional drums of Magul Bera followed by the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. After observing two minutes of silence for fallen heroes, the traditional oil lamp was lit prior to the religious observances.
Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayake Thero and Chief Incumbent of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Nayake Thero conducted the Buddhist religious observances and blessings. Mrs. Kanaga Ranganathan conducted the Hindu blessings followed by Christian prayers by Dr. Greg Fernandopulle. Brother Abaasse led the Islamic religious observances.
Ambassador Wickramasuriya read the Independence Day message from His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Ceremony at the chancery concluded with the guests enjoying a traditional breakfast.
Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Mrs. Priyanga Wickramasuriya with visiting Channa-Upuli Dance Ensemble at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Washington DC, (February 4, 2014)
On the same day, the Embassy hosted an evening reception at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (The Kennedy Center) in Washington DC.
In his welcome remarks at the reception, the Ambassador underscored that Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country where people have lived peacefully for thousands of years.
He recalled that Sri Lanka had to face many challenges in recent history, including separatist terrorism, and the nation has successfully overcome them under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Sri Lankan master percussionist Jananath Warakagoda (Left) performing at the Sri Lankan Cultural Performance held at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Washington DC, (February 4, 2014)
"I am proud to say - for the last four years there has been not a single loss of life due to terrorism in Sri Lanka. ", he added.
Ambassador Wickramasuriya further noted that the most important interest of Sri Lanka at this crucial juncture is to further consolidate lasting peace through reconciliation.
"We are determined to reconcile and build a peaceful and prosperous country and what we expect from our true friends in the international community is genuine and meaningful support towards this process" he said.
Among the large and representative audience were senior US government officials, ambassadors, senior diplomats, business leaders, journalists and scholars.
The highlight of the evening was the grand Sri Lankan cultural spectacle presented by world-renowned Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation on the prestigious Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts joined hands with the Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington this year to present the opulence of Sri Lankan culture to the US audience.
Ms. Inuki Wettasinghe, representing the Sri Lankan-American community welcomed the packed audience. Ambassador Wickramasuriya briefly enlightened the audience about the history of Sri Lanka and US-Sri Lankan ties, and thanked the Kennedy Center and the spectators for their support.
The dance artists led by Channa Wijewardene, the traditional drummers led by percussionist Jananath Warakagoda and the performance of violinist Ruwan Weerasekara captivated the crowd drawing tumultuous rounds of applause for each act. The show was streamed live on the Kennedy Center website.
The Embassy organized another Sri Lankan cultural performance at the World Bank Preston Auditorium on February 6th. The main Independence Day celebration with the Sri Lankan-American community was held on February 8th at the University of District of Columbia Auditorium.
