The 76th National Day of Sri Lanka was celebrated with grandeur at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing, China on 4 February 2024. The event was attended by the members of the Sri Lankan community, officers of Sri Lanka armed forces, students in Beijing as well as the neighbouring provinces, the Embassy staff and family members, and well-wishers of Sri Lanka.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Chargés d'affaires a.i, K.K. Yoganaadan, followed by the resonant rendition of the National Anthem. A moment of solemnity followed as the traditional oil lamp was lit amidst magul bera, and two minutes of silence were observed to pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom, peace, and prosperity of the motherland.
Welcoming the guests, Chargés d'affaires a.i K.K. Yoganaadan emphasized the importance of coming together as one nation to contribute to the development of Sri Lanka to overcome the current challenges and invited the Sri Lankan community and the students in China to work hand in hand with the Embassy towards the prosperity of the motherland.
The Most Venerable Chang Zang Thero, Chief Incumbent of Linguang Temple, Rev. Fr. Simon Zhujie of the Archdiocese of Beijing, and Imam Ma Hi Jun and Imam Ma Jia of Beijing Islam Association conducted the Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic religious observances respectively, while Rev. Sivananda Sharma delivered a Hindu religious message online. All religious dignitaries bestowed blessings on Sri Lanka and her people.
The Independence Day Message of the President was read by Deputy Chief of Mission Poornima Gunasekera, while the messages of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were read by Counsellor Niranga Palipana and student representative Kumaresan Madumitha during the ceremony.
Adding to the cultural tapestry, a dance performance was presented by a group of students from Tianjin Medical University. Following the event, the guests were invited to a sumptuous Sri Lankan lunch.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Beijing
07 February 2024
