The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Iran celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka under the theme of “Namo Namo Matha-Let’s Leap towards the Centenary” at the Embassy premises in Tehran on 04 February, 2023. The event was attended by a large gathering of senior officials of the Government of Iran, members of the diplomatic corps, Tehran-based business community, media personnel, members of the Sri Lankan community and friends of Sri Lanka in Iran.
The programme commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Islamic Republic of Iran G.M.V. Wishwanath Aponsu, followed by singing of the national anthem in the Sinhala language. Thereafter, two minutes of silence were observed in remembrance of all those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. After religious observances and lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the independence day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out in the Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Aponsu highlighted the significance of the 75th Independence celebration and emphasized the importance of unity for the development of Sri Lanka. He further elaborated on the present challenges faced by the country and the efforts taken by the Sri Lanka Government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to rebuild the country. The Ambassador urged the Sri Lankan community and other representatives to contribute towards the betterment of Sri Lanka.
Director General of West Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran Dr. Seyed Rasoul Mousavi conveyed the wishes of the Government and the people of Iran to the people of Sri Lanka for the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence. He highlighted the Government of Iran’s interest to work closely with the Sri Lankan Embassy in further enhancing the relationship between the two countries.
Deputy President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Dr. Alireza Yavari stated that people-to-people contact between Iran and Sri Lanka would further enhance the existing relations. He emphasized the importance of increasing two-way tourism.
The guests were entertained with dance performances by a group of students and a video showcasing the tourist and cultural attractions of Sri Lanka was screened. The invitees were hosted to a reception and served Ceylon tea. Gift packs of Ceylon tea and tokens were also presented to the guests. The programme concluded with the singing of the national anthem in the Tamil language.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Tehran
09 February 2023
