The 71st Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was celebrated at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Yangon on 04 February 2019 morning under the patronage of the Ambassador and with the participation of Embassy staff and the Sri Lankan community in Myanmar.
The National Flag was hoisted by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Myanmar E.M.M. Nandimithra Ekanayake followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A two minute silence was observed in remembrance of all who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the motherland. The traditional oil lamp was lighted by the Ambassador and multi faith religious observances in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam were conducted by religious dignitaries. The Messages of H.E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were read in Sinhala and English languages at the event.
In his speech, Ambassador Ekanayake stressed the importance of this special day and emphasized that all Sri Lankans should work together to contribute to the development of the country.
Refreshments were served to the participants at the Official Residence of the Ambassador.
In the Evening, a dinner reception was hosted at WYNDHAM GRAND Hotel in Yangon. The Diplomatic Corps’ based in Yangon, Heads of UN Organizations in Yangon, Dignitaries of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, all Sri Lankan Community in Myanmar, and all the staff of the Embassy and their family members participated in this event.
Videos on the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and export promotions were screened at this event with the aim of promoting Trade in Myanmar.
In his Speech, the Chief Guest U Ohn Maung, the Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar said that Myanmar and Sri Lanka have longstanding bilateral, cultural and economic relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1949. He further stated that both countries should work together to promote these relations in future.
A Sri Lankan cultural dance was performed by the dancing group of the Provincial Ministry of Education of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka as a special feature.
A souvenir, which was published by the Embassy, was distributed among the participants at this event.
