Sri Lanka’s 67th Independence day was celebrated on 4th February 2015 at the Official Residence of the Ambassador with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in the Philippines and well wishers.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Dr. Gamini Samaranayake, Ambassador while playing the Magul Bera and the National Anthem. After lighting of the traditional Oil lamp, one minute silence was observed in honour of national heroes. Religious observances were invoked by the religious leaders representing the four religions in Sri Lanka. The English version of the message of His Excellency the President read by the Ambassador and the English version of the messages of Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Minister of External Affairs were read by members of the Diplomatic Staff and Vote of Thanks was given by the Attaché of the Embassy. It was followed by a reception.
A diplomatic reception was held on Friday, 6th February 2015 at the official residence of the Ambassador and Hon. Evan Garcia, Undersecretary for Policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila, H.E. Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nuncio Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Hon. Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Assistant Secretary, Asia & Pacific Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs together with the Ambassadors of SAARC, Asian and Middle East countries accredited in Manila participated at this event together with the officials of Asian Development Bank and Philippine Business Community and the families of the staff of the Embassy. During the occasion Hon. Evan Garcia, Undersecretary for Policy who represented the Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario delivered the National Day message on behalf of the Government of the Philippines and the Ambassador delivered the speeches.
While delivering the National Day Message, the Ambassador highlighted the 67th National Day where the Government of Sri Lanka emphasis on national reconciliation and transforming the Sri Lankan identity to bring about lasting peace between the ethnic and religious communities of the country.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Manila
16th February 2015
