The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai ceremonially celebrated the 76th anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2024 at the Mission premises with the participation of religious dignitaries and community leaders. About fifty Sri Lankans present in Mumbai and 23 Sri Lankan Naval Trainees from the Western Region of India also participated in the events.
Consul General of Thailand in Mumbai, Donnawit Poolsawat was also invited as the Guest of Honor of the ceremony at the Mission, as the Thai Prime Minister was attending the National Independence Day ceremony in Colombo.
The official ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by the Consul General followed by singing of the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. Thereafter, a two-minute of silence was observed in honour of Sri Lankan national heroes. The traditional oil lamp was lit by the Guest of Honor, Sri Lankan Naval Trainees and other invitees.
Multi-faith religious observances in accordance with Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, and Christian practices were conducted by Venerable Rev. Kohilawatte Lankananda Thero, (Mahinda Vihar, Ulhasnagar); Pandit Shri Suresh Sharma (Arya Samaj); Imam Mahmood Alam and Father KT Emmanuel (Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Bombay).
The National Day messages of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M.Ali Sabry were read out by the Consul General and home-based officers.
The Consul General addressed the gathering, highlighting the strength and sacrifices made by war heroes, especially during the period from 1977 to 2009. He expressed pride in the nation's ability to stand united and bounce back, despite the external geopolitical perceptions that led to suffering, loss of lives, economic ruin, and societal fragmentation.
The Consul General emphasized that despite being viewed for its political turbulence, the country has significant achievements, with Sri Lanka ascending to a middle-income nation with a higher rank in the Human Development Index and World Hunger Index in comparison with developed nations. His address concluded with the assurance that Sri Lanka’s resilience will always overcome any economic hurdles.
The event concluded with an almsgiving for all religious dignitaries and lunch for all the invitees.
Prominent and widely circulated the Indian Express and Financial Express newspaper carried three articles in consultation with the consulate General to mark Sri Lanka's Independence Day, which also included an article by the Consul General honouring the sacrifices of the leaders and highlighting the unity, determination and continued resilient nature of the country despite challenges.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Mumbai
15 February 2024
