The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bucharest celebrated the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2025. The event was attended by religious dignitaries, the Sri Lankan community in Romania, the Honorary Consul, representatives of recruitment companies, and the Embassy staff.
The official ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag of Sri Lanka by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania Madurika Joseph Weninger, amidst the beating of the ‘magul bera’ followed by the national anthem and a two-minute silence in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom. The ceremony also included the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and multi-religious prayers, invoking blessings on the country.
Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic religious observances were conducted by Venerable Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Nayake Thero, Swami Shri Shivaji Habale, Archbishop of Bucharest His Grace Aurel Perca and Rev. Fathers, Mowlavi, Dr. Ahmed Nakechbandy, respectively. Messages of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath were read out by the Ambassador and the staff in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
In her address, Ambassador Weninger expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan community, Romanian friends and the Honorary Consul for their continued support and emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to serving the large Sri Lankan expatriate community in Romania.
President Disanayaka’s vision, highlighting the launch of the “Clean Sri Lanka Project”, which aims to enhance governance, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability through national collaboration was explained to the guests. Aligned with this initiative, the Embassy hosted the National Day event in the Consular section, creating a multifunctional public space that embodies the “Clean Sri Lanka Project”.
Following the morning ceremony, a diplomatic reception for nearly 300 guests was hosted in the evening at the Embassy premises. The event was graced by State Secretary for Global Affairs and International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Traian Laurentiu Hristea who attended the event as the guest of honour, and other distinguished guests from the Romanian Government including the State Secretaries for Health and Culture, the State Counsellor from the Prime Minister's Chancellery, the President of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, academia, and Romania's vibrant business community.Their participation highlighted the growing and strong partnership between Sri Lanka and Romania.
Addressing the gathering the Ambassador stated “Sri Lanka is now open for investment following the successful conclusion of debt restructuring and a recent upgrade to its credit rating, with the economy projected to have grown by 5 percent in 2024’’.
Ambassador Weninger acknowledged Romania’s significant role in providing employment to over 40,000 Sri Lankan workers, who are making valuable contributions to the economies of both countries. Both countries are set to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour cooperation, with ongoing discussions focused on creating a government-to-government mechanism to align Sri Lankan skills with Romania’s labour market needs. Moreover, the Ambassador reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties, with strong support from the Romanian Government officials, the Sri Lankan expatriate community living in Romania as Sri Lanka embarks on a new chapter of growth and prosperity.
State Secretary for Global Affairs and International Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Traian Laurentiu Hristea, who extended his congratulations for the National Day celebrations, recalled the signing of the first programme of cooperation in 2024 between the Governments of Romania and Sri Lanka in the fields of education, science, culture, mass-media, youth, and sports. “I am very optimistic that such a bilateral programme will generate new possibilities to keep up the cooperation among people-to-people…” he stated. "The Indo-Pacific region's strategic relevance in the current international context is a continuous rise, and Europe and the Indo-Pacific are intertwined, both economically as well as in terms of security aspects", he further added.
A special video presentation spotlighting key economic sectors including tourism, Ceylon tea and cinnamon, and Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage captivated the audience. Cultural performances by the Sri Lankan community featured music, song, and dance, celebrating our island's artistic talent.
As part of the evening celebrations, the Embassy set up a 'Ceylon Tea House,' offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s diverse collection of specialty teas. Renowned Sri Lankan tea brands such as JAF, Hyson, Impra, Akbar, Tea 4u, Thurson, Mlesna, Empire, Stassen, Basilur, and Tea Tang were showcased. Guests received gift bags filled with top-quality Ceylon teas, with the courtesy of the Sri Lanka Tea Board. Additionally, guests were treated to Sri Lankan Arabica Coffee with a touch of Ceylon cinnamon, and a variety of delicacies featuring iconic dishes from both the Southern and Northern Regions of Sri Lanka, along with live culinary stations.
A display of Sri Lanka’s diverse products including handloom and batik garments, gems & jewellery, Nootz coconut products, and exotic Sri Lankan spices allowed guests to explore and experience the country’s unique offerings. The Sri Lanka Tourism desk shared materials promoting the campaign “You Will Come Back for More”.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
11 February 2025
