The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Australia celebrated the 67th Independence Day Anniversary in a grand scale at the High Commission premises on the 04th of February 2015. The National Day events commenced with the hoisting of the Sri Lankan National Flag by the High Commissioner Admiral Thisarra Samarasinghe, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by a group of young children and lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Two minutes silence was observed in honour of our nationals who sacrificed their lives to preserve and protect the freedom, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Motherland. Religious observances were conducted by the religious dignitaries representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic religious offering blessings for our Nation and its people.
National Day Message of His Excellency Maithripala Srisena was read in Sinhala, Tamil and English to the audience. The High Commissioner addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of unity of all communities for the development of Sri Lanka.
As Sri Lanka is forging ahead for a new era under the leadership of His Excellency Maithripala Srisena, High Commissioner reiterated the vision of the President for reconciliation and unity in governance placing greater emphasis on the youth of the country. He further stated that the optimum use of diversity is important to build a strong and unified Sri Lanka for the betterment of our future generation.
He also thanked the Sri Lankan community in Australia for their unwavering support which they extended to Sri Lanka and urged them to continue the same support to our Mother Lanka individually, as a group and as a community in its economic revival. He also emphasized the long standing solidarity and friendship of Sri Lanka and Australia and expressed that the people- to- people contacts between the two countries would further enhance the existing relationship.
The High Commission ceremony on the 4th concluded with the serving of traditional Sri Lankan breakfast.
In addition, on the 4th of February, the city of Canberra was decorated with 48 national flags on the main highway leading to the Federal Parliament in the city centre signifying Sri Lanka National Day and the close friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka. This event was sponsored by the Sri Lankan Australian community in Canberra.
The High Commissioner, the staff and the community proceeded to the Commonwealth Place on 4th February to hoist the Sri Lankan flag in the main mast of the Commonwealth Place. The High Commissioner hoisted the National Flag , followed by the national anthem sung by all those present. This flag is on the main area where all the country flags on either side in the picturesque sight of Graffin Lake transiting the Australian new and old Parliaments and the War Memorial.
In addition to the above, the High Commission was decorated with Sri Lankan national flags around the perimeter.
Further the Canberra Times carried a two page special supplement to mark the 67th Anniversary carrying the message of His Excellency the President, the Hon. Prime Minister, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the High Commissioner.
Few photographs taken at the event is sent herewith.
Sri Lanka High Commission
Canberra
4th February 2015
