The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands celebrated the 67th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence at the Embassy premises on 4th February 2015.
The event was commenced with the hoisting of National Flag by Ambassador Athauda and followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Two minutes silence was observed to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country by defeating terrorism and also for those who fought to win the independence from the colonial rule.
After lighting the traditional oil lamp, a multi religious observance was conducted by the clergy of Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic faiths. Ven. Raajakeeya Panditha Malapagama Vajira Thero conducted the Buddhist rituals while Swamy Gowri Sankar Sarma of Arulmugu Durakaiamman Temple in Utrecht performed Hindu rituals. Dr. A.J.M. van der Helm, Dean of The Roman Catholic Church of The Hague conducted rituals for the Catholic community gathered. Islamic religious rituals were conducted by Moulana Mohammed Fares Mokiem Saheb, Bash Imam of Al-Masjithul Faizul Islam.
After the religious observances the Independence Day Message from H.E. the President Maithripala Sirisena was read in all three languages.
Addressing the gathering H.E. the Ambassador stressed the key role which Sri Lankan community domiciled outside their motherland has to play in strengthening Sri Lanka’s foreign policy directions to defeat the contemporary challenges which the country faces since the Sri Lankan community stands as a bridge in linking their motherland with their host country. In this regard H.E. the Ambassador invited all the members of the community to share their thoughts and suggestions with the Sri Lankan leaders as it would be a strength to the country to steer her way forward.
In respect to Sri Lanka – the Netherlands relations, Ambassador Athauda informed that bilateral trade relations reached greater heights in the recent past, increasing the Foreign Direct Investment from the Netherlands to Sri Lanka ten-fold in the fields of agriculture, healthcare and dairy products. He also mentioned that the recent mega publicity received by Sri Lanka in the Dutch media, including popular TV programs Wie de Mol, Erica op Reis show and 3 op Reis show for which all the episodes were filmed in Sri Lanka with full facilitation from the Embassy providing a great opportunity to showcase the country’s beauty around the world.
The event was attended by the Sri Lankan community from all ethnic backgrounds who are domiciled in the Netherlands, foreign nationals and Ms. Grace Ashirwatham; former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands and now Deputy Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
The ceremony concluded with the serving of traditional Sri Lankan lunch which was enjoyed by all.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
09th February 2015
