Celebrations on 63rd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka in Sydney

A formal ceremony was held in commemoration of the 63rd Anniversary of independence on 4th February 2010 at the Office of the Consulate General. The proceedings began with the hoisting of the National Flag, playing of the National Anthem, religious observances, and the reading of messages of HE the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of   External Affairs.

In addition, the Consulate General, together with the Sri Lankan community, organised  a Independence Day celebrations on 5th February 2010 at the Roselea Community Centre, Carlingford, Sydney with the participation of almost 1000 Sri Lankan expatriates.

The Acting High Commissioner, Miss Shashikala Premawardhana, Mr David Harris MP, Parliament Secretary for Health, Lord Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council Mr Nick Berman, Dr Geoffrey Lee and Kevin Conolly, Liberal Candidates respectively for Parramatta and Riverstone were among the special guests.

As customary, the National Flags of Sri Lanka and Australia were unfurled by the Consul General and Mr. Mohammed Fazli, President of Sri Lanka Muslim Association. The children belonging to all communities representing Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic community, together with the Acting High Commissioner, Miss  Premawardhana and the Consul General, lit the oil lamp. The religious observances of  Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity were  followed by reading  messages of HE the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of External Affairs.

Consul General Mr. P.D. Fernando addressing the gathering requested the community to be united and work together to provide a better future for the children. Following past practice, the Sri Lanka Association organised awards for all achievers of HSC examination in 2010 and sports. The Sinhalese Cultural Forum organised awards for recipients of  the Minister's award for Excellence in Student Achievement – Community Languages 2010.

The Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR), and the Sri Lanka Association delivered short speeches on the significance of independence and the need to be united and develop the country.

The Sinhala Cultural Forum in Sydney and the Sri Lanka Muslim Association organised a colourful cultural show depicting cultural elements of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Sydney

07 02 2011