The 62nd Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka was commemorated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in The Hague. The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka by Ambassador Grace Asirwatham on 4th February morning at the Embassy premises followed by singing of the National Anthem and observance of two minutes silence to remember with gratitude those who laid down their lives to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, multi religious observances were conducted to represent Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam by Ven. Kotagama Vachchissara Thero, Ven. Pandit Vishnu Mahadew Panday, Rev. Fr. Sjaak de Boer and Rev. Moulana Fares Mokiem Saheb respectively.
The National Day Messages of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Honorable Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayake and Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama were read out at the function.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Asirwatham underlined the importance of the independence anniversary celebrations in the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s victory against terrorism and the people’s fresh mandate to H.E the President. The Ambassador said that while transmeag the victory against terrorism into a lasting peace, the government is focusing on an accelerated economic development and emphasized the need for the Sri Lanka Diaspora in the Netherlands to extend their support and cooperation to Sri Lanka at this time of need. Ambassador Asirwatham added that as per the nation- building programme of the government, the Embassy is also spirited to make the most of the extremely favorable ground situation in the country to promote Dutch economic activities in Sri Lanka.
The Embassy also hosted a Reception for the members of the Diplomatic community, representatives from International Organizations based in The Hague, Officials of the Dutch Governmental Agencies and members of the business community on Friday 5th February. The focus of the occasion was to demonstrate the economic potential of Sri Lanka in the post conflict situation as well as to stimulate interest to engage in economic activities and promote tourism. In this connection video documentaries on tourism, trade and culture of Sri Lanka were screened at the venue. Further a Ceylon tea counter was put up with the assistance of the Dilmah Tea Agent in The Netherlands who organized the tea service and supplied gift tea sachets to the guests.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
5th February, 2010
