Sri Lankan community in Russia gathered at the Embassy’s premises to celebrate 72 years of independence on February 4, 2020. Charge d' Affaires Mohamed Anas hoisted the National Flag, and the gathering sang the National Anthem. Over 150 Sri Lankans came together to celebrate the day, including students from different Russian universities community members, the Embassy staff, and many others along with Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Kursk Dr. Mohamed Chahine and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Armenia Sargis Tarverdyan.
Two-minute silence was observed, paying tribute to the national heroes, which was followed by the lightning of the traditional oil lamp and multi-religious observances, blessing the occasion and the country. The Independence Day messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Relations were read out in Sinhala, Tamil, and English respectively.
Addressing the gathering, Mohamed Anas highlighted the importance of forming a strong community organization that would represent all Sri Lankans living in Moscow as well as in other cities, in order to facilitate the realization of the country’s aspirations.
The Ceremony concluded with a musical performance by the university students and a lunch hosted by the Charge d' Affaires at the official residence of the Ambassador.
