Sri Lanka’s 72nd anniversary of independence, was celebrated in Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Manila, on 05 February 2020.
Foreign Affairs Secretary (Minister) of the Philippines Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., gracing this occasion as the Chief Guest, vowed to pursue deeper ties between Philippines and Sri Lanka. In his speech, he referred to the decades of civil war and division and conflict the country had undergone and commended the energetic development and sustainable progress that can be witnessed at present. He also stated that the Philippines hopes to learn many valuable lessons in the manner by which Sri Lanka achieved victory. He further stated that; "I take this opportunity to reiterate my personal commitment and that of my government to continue fostering deeper ties between the Philippines and Sri Lanka."
Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera, in her remarks, was optimistic that the existing good relations provided an excellent platform for broadening the horizons of bilateral cooperation with deepened bonds of friendship between the two peoples.
The cultural evening showcased “So Sri Lanka” the Resplendent Island and was made colourful by live performances of traditional dance sequence and a wide array of delectable spice infused Sri Lankan cuisine being served to the guests. This evening was also one of the series of events that this Embassy undertook together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau to project Sri Lanka as an emerging tourism destination for the very enthusiastic Filipino traveller.
Members of the diplomatic community, Philippine government officials, business sector, tourism industry players, media, cross section of Sri Lankans based in the Philippines and friends of Sri Lanka, attended the event.
In further strengthening and consolidating bilateral relations, Secretary Locsin at the reception committed to re-establish the Philippine Embassy in Sri Lanka before end 2020 when completing six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
