The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore commemorated the 62nd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka with a religious ceremony at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner followed by an evening reception at the Shangri –La Hotel on 4 February 2010.
The religious ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the High Commissioner Jayathri Samarakone, which was followed by the National Anthem. Thereafter members of the Clergy representing main religions invoked Blessings on the motherland, His Excellency the President, the Cabinet of Ministers, Armed Forces and the people of the country.
The Independence Day messages of His Excellency the President, Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sinhala, Tamil and English were read out at the ceremony. Rev. Omalpe Sobitha Thero delivered a special address on the significance of this years’ Independence as a free nation after three decades of terrorism. The morning ceremony ended with the traditional Singaporean Lion Dance to bless the country and the customary refreshments with Sri Lankan delicacies enjoyed by all the participants.
A Special National Day publication has been issued by the High Commission of Sri Lanka to commemorate the 62nd Anniversary of Independence.
In her National Day address at the evening Reception at Hotel Shangri La, the High Commissioner highlighted that this year’s independence is celebrated as a sovereign and free democratic nation, after defeating the scourge of terrorism, and also mentioned the re-election by H.E. the President for the second mandate as a special remark of this independence. The event was graced by the Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Hon. Ho Peng Kee representing the Government of Singapore and Hon. Yeo Guat Kwang and Hon. Michael Palmer, Members of Parliament of Singapore.
Addressing the audience consisted of a large gathering of diplomats, Public and corporate officials, technocrats from Singapore and Sri Lankan nationality, High Commissioner emphasized that the country is experiencing permanent peace, stability and harmony, thus affording an opportunity for tourists and business investors from worldwide to visit Sri Lanka. In speaking of the bilateral relations maintained between Singapore and Sri Lanka, High Commissioner highlighted the warm relations between the two countries, especially in the spheres of economic and political cooperation. At this stage, the High Commissioner took the opportunity to convey appreciation and gratitude for the Government of Singapore for its generous assistance extended to the Government of Sri Lanka in many ways during the past years. The High Commissioner concluded that the 62nd Independence would herald a new chapter and a new era for Sri Lanka and wishing a brighter future for Sri Lankans recalling the vision of H. E. the President of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Singapore
05-02-2010
