The official Independence Day ceremony was held on 04 February 2026 at the premises of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria. The ceremony was commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by H.E. the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South Africa, Air Chief Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa (Retd.), followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the observance of a two-minute silence in remembrance of the fallen national heroes and all those who made supreme sacrifices for the freedom, unity, and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Independence Day messages of H.E. the President, Hon. the Prime Minister, and Hon. the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were read at the ceremony. The event was attended by the staff of the High Commission.
To mark the occasion, a reception was held on 05 February 2026 at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pretoria. The reception was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior officials from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, representatives of the business community, and members of the Sri Lankan community in South Africa and accredited countries.
Adding a cultural dimension to the celebrations, the reception featured Sri Lankan cuisine, alongside Sri Lankan arts and crafts stalls and tea stalls, offering guests an authentic experience of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner highlighted the similarities between Sri Lanka and South Africa in their respective journeys to independence, noting their shared democratic values, resilience, and commitment to inclusive nation-building. Referring to the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” he stressed national resilience and collective responsibility in responding to challenges, including Cyclone Ditwah. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with South Africa through enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and other mutually beneficial areas.
The Chief Guest of the event, Mr. Phaswa Mamogale, Chief Financial Officer and the Acting Head for Cooperate Services at the National Department of Health highlighted the longstanding and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and South Africa and conveyed his warm felicitations and best wishes to the Government and people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, expressing confidence in Sri Lanka’s continued progress, peace, and development.
The reception concluded in a spirit of friendship and goodwill, reflecting the strong bonds between Sri Lanka and South Africa.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Pretoria, South Africa
19 February 2026
