The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Belgium celebrated the 72nd National Day of Sri Lanka in Brussels. The flag hoisting ceremony was held on 04 February 2020 with the participation of Sri Lankan community in Belgium. The Embassy also hosted a diplomatic reception on 05 February 2020 which was attended by diplomats, parliamentarians, officials from the European Union, government officials, members of the business community, tour operators, journalists and others. Both events were hosted at the official residence of the Ambassador.
The official National Day event commenced with the hoisting of National Flag by Ambassador Grace Asirwatham followed by singing of National Anthem. Two minutes silence was observed in the memory of all those who had sacrificed their lives in the service of the country. Multi religious observances were conducted by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic religious leaders.
Ambassador Asirwatham in her address to the Sri Lankan community referred to the President’s policy statement titled “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” and elaborated the key policy areas which were identified for achieving an outcome of a productive citizenry, contended family, disciplined society and a prosperous nation. Ambassador urged the Sri Lankan community to participate in the economic development related activities in Sri Lanka and contribute towards reconciliation and building a prosperous nation.
The diplomatic reception hosted on the occasion of the National Day was graced by Chairperson of the Belgium-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group Senator Allessia Claes and Deputy Managing Director of EU/EEAS Paola Pampaloni as guests of honour and representatives from the Belgium Parliament and the European Union. National Anthems of Sri Lanka, Belgium and the European Union were played at the reception followed by remarks by the Ambassador and the guests of honour on the status of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Belgium as well as the European Union.
The members of Sri Lanka Army Cultural Troupe performed dances and Sri Lankan traditional meals and Ceylon tea were served to the guests.
