The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Sultanate of Oman organized a flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka at the Embassy premises in Muscat on 4 February 2023 with the participation of Sri Lankan expatriates in the Sultanate of Oman.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman A.L. Sabarullah Khan, followed by the singing of the national anthem. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. Thereafter, community representatives joined in the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, which was followed by religious sermons and blessings by priests representing the major faiths in Sri Lanka.
The Independence Day message of President Ranil Wickremesinghe was read by the Counsellor of the Embassy in Sinhala, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena's message was read by Ambassador in Tamil, and Foreign Minister M.U.M Ali Sabry's message was read by the Third Secretary in English.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sabarullah Khan paid tribute to all Sri Lankans who sacrificed their lives for the motherland and extended his gratitude to the Sri Lankan community for their support. The Ambassador highlighted the achievements of the Embassy last year and invited all members of Sri Lankan community who live in the Sultanate of Oman to join hands in extending their cooperation to work towards the peace and prosperity of Sri Lanka. Further, the Ambassador briefed the guests on the action plan of the Embassy.
Counsellor M.A.A Chirasrie delivered the vote of thanks followed by the singing of the national anthem in Tamil. The event concluded with the invitees being hosted to a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Muscat
10 February 2023
