A series of events were held in Singapore to commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence and launch the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore.
The celebrations commenced on the 04 of February with the Independence Day event held at the High Commissioner’s official residence. Following the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the national anthem, multi-faith religious observances were conducted. Those present also observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to all those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. Speaking at the occasion High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane highlighted the sentiments expressed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the National Independence Day ceremony on the right of all citizens to live freely and securely and the Government’s commitment to ensuring that those rights were protected. An excerpt from the National Policy Framework of the Government “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” and the messages of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Relations were also read on the occasion.
On 06 February, a diplomatic event was held at the Shangri-La, Singapore to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence with Senior Minister of State, Minister of Transport and Minister of Communication and Information Dr. Janil Puthucheary attending as Guest of Honour. Other guests at the event included Members of Parliament Sitoh Yin Pin and Lim Biow Chuan and Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Sri Lanka Chandra Das. Formal celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Singapore was commenced at the event with the digital launch of the 50th anniversary logo. Addressing the gathering the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka spoke of the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries underpinned by strong people-to-people ties and expressed the hope that these ties would be strengthened in the year ahead particularly in the political, economic and capacity-building spheres. She also thanked the Government of Singapore for the assistance extended following the Easter Sunday attacks and the close cooperation between the two countries on intelligence and information exchanges.
The Guest of Honour Dr. Janil Puthucheary in his address acknowledged the contribution made by Sri Lankans for the development of Singapore. A short video depicting images of milestone events of the 50 years of bilateral relations was also screened at the event. Renowned dance troupe led by Chandana Wcirkamasinghe entertained the gathering with several Sri Lankan dance performances. Guests were treated to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine prepared by Master Chef Dr. Pubilis Silva.
On 07 of February, the Sri Lanka Food Fest was also inaugurated at the Triple Three Restaurant of the Mandarin Orchard, Singapore. Sri Lankan Master Chef Dr Pabilis Silva has been flown in especially to showcase an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience. High Commissioners of India, Singapore, Maldives and Canada, the Hony. Consul for Nepal, and Singapore celebrity chef Violet Oon and Singapore’s renowned food critic KF Seetoh were among the guests present at the inauguration of the event.
Speaking at the inauguration, High Commissioner briefed the guests on Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage which has intrinsic links to its many spices and herbs.
The High Commission has lined up several events throughout the year, highlighting the unique and wonderful relationship the two countries and peoples share to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.
