The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community in the New York Tri-State Area hosted the community Independence Day celebration on Sunday, 15 February 2026 at the High School of Fashion Industries, Manhattan, New York.
The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Jayantha Jayasuriya followed by the singing of the national anthem and observance of two minutes silence in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland.
The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Jayantha Jayasuriya while addressing the gathering thanked the Sri Lankan community for their generous contribution to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka programme. He also emphasized their importance in nation building and the pivotal role the overseas Sri Lankans play in projecting Sri Lanka’s positive image to the world. He also briefed about the Clean Sri Lanka initiative of the Government.
Independence Day Messages from the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were read out. The event comprised a cultural segment as well. Items depicting Sri Lanka’s multi-cultural society were performed by the members of the Sri Lankan community.
The event was concluded by singing of the national anthem in the Tamil language.
The event was attended by Sri Lankans residing in the New York Tri-State area.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
New York
23 February 2026
