The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria organized two events to celebrate the 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 04 February and 08 February 2020 at the High Commission Premises
The Flag hoisting Ceremony was taken place parallel to the Main Event held in Colombo on 04 February with the participation of Acting High Commissioner, Priyangani Hewarathna, staff members and members of Sri Lankan Community.
The main event organized by the High Commission was held on 08 February with the participation of invitees and more than 120 Sri Lankan community members. A Legend of Sri Lankan Cricket Graeme Labrooy who is in South Africa attending as a match referee of Under 19 Cricket World Cup graced the occasion as a special guest.
The function commenced with the hoisting of National Flag by the Acting High Commissioner Hewarathna and followed by Sri Lankan and South African National Anthems.
The multi-faith religious observances were conducted by four religious dignitaries based in Pretoria and Traditional Oil Lamp was lit by the invitees. After reading the excerpt of the President’s Manifesto in three languages, messages by the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were read by the Mission’s officials.
At the brief remarks delivered by the Acting High Commissioner Hewarathna reiterated that President Gotabaya Rajapaksha’s National Day Message has emphasized to the community the importance of unity among Sri Lankans in order to achieve the development goals of the country.
Mission officials and Community members planted three fruit trees at the Chancery Premises to mark the event. The gathering was served “Kiribath” and Sri Lankan sweetmeats at the end of the event.
