The Embassy of Sri Lanka, Manila celebrated the 65th Independence Day at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines.
The Sri Lankan community resident in the Philippines, members of Philippines-Sri Lanka Friendship Association and Philippines-Sri Lanka Business Council , Philippine Media, and well wishers attended the celebrations by invitation.
A six member Parliamentary delegation headed by Hon. Milroy Fernando, Minister of Social Welfare Hon. C.A. Suriyarachchi, Deputy Minister, Social Services, Hon. John Amaratunga, Chief Opposition Whip, Hon. Manusha Nanayakkara, Member of Parliament, Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekera, Member of Parliament, Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake, Secretary General Parliament who participated at the GOPAC Conference (Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption) were also present at the occasion.
Ambassador Nawalage Bennet Cooray, addressing the participants stated that peace and harmony was achieved in Sri Lanka against the scourge of terrorism and emphasized the initiatives taken by the Government headed by President . Mahinda Rajapaksa to foster national unity.
In addition, Ambassador also stated that bilateral relations have been strengthened between Sri Lanka and the Philippines and highlighted the visit of the Philippine Government delegation in May 2012, headed by Hon. Erlinda Basilio, Under Secretary for Policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines to Sri Lanka.
At the end of the celebrations, as a token of friendship, under the Sri Lanka Promotional Programme, the Mission handed over a donation to Children’s Joy Foundation , a charity Organization that helps the orphaned and unfortunate. (Ends)
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Manila
05/02/2013
