The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai celebrated 76th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2024 at the Chancery premises.
Prior to the official celebrations, an almsgiving to the Buddhist monks was organized by the staff of the Deputy High Commission. The Deputy Monk-in- charge of Chennai Mahabodhi Society Ven. Nugagolle Chandraratne Thero and other venerable monks were offered Heel Danaya (alms).
The official ceremony commenced with the hoisting of National Flag by Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India Dr. D. Venkateshwaran followed by singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. Two minutes silence was observed honouring Sri Lankans who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. Multi-faith religious observances invoking blessings on all Sri Lankans were conducted by Ven. Nugagolle Chandraratne Thera, Deputy Monk-in-charge of Maha Bodhi Society, Chennai followed by Swami Shanmugam Sivachariar, Chief Priest, Sri Kaligambal Kamateswarar Devasthanam, Rev. D.F. Bosco, St. Theresa Church and Imam Dr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub, Chief Quazi, Royapettah Mosque.
The National Day messages of the President of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out by the officers of the Mission in three languages. The Deputy High Commissioner addressed the gathering wherein he commended the able leadership of the President Ranil Wikcremesinghe for guiding the country’s economy in the right direction. He also highlighted the recent achievement of the Deputy High Commission and the Government of Sri Lanka in issuing passports to Sri Lankans resettled in Tamil Nadu.
Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka
Chennai
07 February 2024
