The Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai celebrated the 73rd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2021.
This year, the prevailing Covid-19 restrictions prevented the Mission from inviting fellow Sri Lankans as well as the well-wishers of the Mission residing in Chennai.
The Acting Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka K. Kiritharan, ceremonially hoisted the National Flag followed by singing of the National Anthem. The Mission staff and their families observed two minutes of silence honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland.
The proceedings began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp after which pre-recorded multi-faith religious observances were screened. Blessings were imparted by Venerable Kalawane Mahanama Thero, Monk-in-Charge, Maha Bodhi Society, Chennai, Dr. T.S. Shanmugam Sivachariar Swamigal, Chief Priest & Administrator of Sri Kaligambal Kamateswarar Devasthanam, Rev. Fr. Dr. V. Ignatius SJ, Parish Priest, Fathima Church and Imam Dr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub, Chief Quazi, Royapettah Mosque.
Tri-lingual National Day Messages of the Prime Minister were read out by Actg. Deputy High Commissioner K. Kiritharan, Counsellor Thilina Jayawardena and Third Secretary (Commercial) Dilanga Hettiarachchi. The National Day message of the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka was read by, Second Secretary Neetha Chandrasena.
Concluding the celebration, the promotional documentary jointly produced by the Foreign Ministry, President's Media Division (PMD), Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau was screened.
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
05 February, 2021
