The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai celebrated the 75th Independence day of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2023 at the chancery premises. Prior to the official celebrations, the Mission staff offered a heel danaya to the Chief Incumbent of the Chennai Mahabodhi Society Ven. Nugagolle Chandraratne Thera and three other Buddhist priests.
The official ceremony was inaugurated amidst a large gathering of over 200 invitees, among them, members of the Sri Lankan community, Indian well-wishers, mission staff and their family members, with the hoisting of the national flag by Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Southern India Dr. D. Venkateshwaran followed by the singing of the national anthem of Sri Lanka in Sinhala. The traditional oil lamp was lit by the Deputy High Commissioner and other dignitaries and two minutes of silence was observed to honour Sri Lankans who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. The Buddhist religious observances were conducted by Chief Incumbent of the Maha Bodhi Society Ven. Nugagolle Chandraratne Thera, the Hindu observances were conducted by Chief Priest of the Sri Kaligambal Kamateswarar Devasthanam Swami Ashok Kumar Sivachariar, the Christian observances by Rev. Manova Santhosham of the Egmore Wesley Church, followed by the Islamic observances by Imam Dr.Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub Chief Quazi of the Royapettah Mosque.
The national day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka were read by the officers of the Mission in all three languages after which the the Deputy High Commissioner addressed the gathering emphasizing the importance of enhancing relations between Sri Lanka and Southern India. He highlighted the vision of the President towards rebuilding Sri Lanka in line with the government's reformist program for the next 25 years. He extended his appreciation to all Sri Lankans and well-wishers for the assistance provided during diffciult times.
The official segment of the morning event concluded with singing of the national anthem in Tamil.
On 10 February 2023, the Deputy High Commission is organizing a networking reception with the participation of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business community and well-wishers of Sri Lanka.
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
09 February 2023
