The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi marked the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence by organizing a flag hoisting ceremony on 04 February 2023 at the Embassy premises and hosting a diplomatic reception on 06 February 2023 at Hotel Shangri La - Abu Dhabi.
On 04 February, the event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates Udaya Indrarathna to the sound of magulbera, followed by singing the national anthem and Jayamangala Gatha by the students of the Abu Dhabi Dhamma School.
Keeping with tradition, the multifaith observances were conducted by the venerable priest of the Sri Lankaramaya in Dubai and other religious dignitaries to invoke blessings upon the country and all Sri Lankans.
In supoprt of the vision of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark 2023 – ‘The year of sustainability’, the Embassy launched a tree plantation campaign under the theme “A Greener Tomorrow” and the first sapling was planted by the Ambassador at the Sri Lanka Embassy premises.
A blood donation camp themed “Heart to Heart'' was also conducted at the Embassy premises in collaboration with the ‘Sahana’- Sri Lanka Welfare Association. The event was attended by nearly 200 Sri Lankan expats.
The ceremony concluded with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine served to guests.
On 06 February, the Embassy hosted a diplomatic reception for nearly 250 guests including senior officials of the Foreign Ministry of the UAE, the diplomatic corps, leading businessmen, and journalists at Hotel Shangri La, Abu Dhabi. The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Ambassador of UAE to Sri Lanka Khalid Al Amry and other prominent Emirati officials graced the occasion.
Delivering the welcome speech, Ambassador Udaya Indrarathna recalled the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further enhance the friendly relations to reach the next level of cooperation.
The Channa Upuli Performing Arts Foundation entertained the audience with a fusion of traditional and modern Sri Lankan dance throughout the event. A wide spread of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine which included 'action stations' demonstrating the preparation of hoppers, pittu, string hoppers and kotthu, was a unique experience for the guests.
The event garnered much admiration for the vibrant nature of Sri Lanka’s culture, traditions and its heritage.
Sri Lanka Embassy
Abu Dhabi
10 February 2023
