The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad commemorated the 76th anniversary of the independence of Sri Lanka with a splendid ceremony held at the Marriot hotel in Islamabad. Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination of Pakistan Dr Nadeem Jan graced the occasion as the chief guest. Honorary Consuls of Sri Lanka in Lahore, Peshawar, Hyderabad, and Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachchi, the staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission, and friends of Sri Lanka attended the event.
The Chief Guest was welcomed by offering beetle leaves and escorted to the stage by Scottish bagpipers of the Pakistan Navy Band. Later, the event commenced with the playing of the National anthems of Sri Lanka and Pakistan by the Pakistan Navy Band. This moment of unity was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, along with the Chief Guest and other eminent dignitaries including the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Dean of the Commonwealth Head of Mission.
Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Pakistan Admiral Wijegunaratne (Retd) delivered an inspiring speech and expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude to the Pakistani government and military for their unwavering support across different spheres. The High Commissioner praised the event’s Chief Guest for his noteworthy contribution to the citizens of Pakistan and the International Community through his medical expertise in the past. The High Commissioner also underscored the enduring friendship and robust defense relationship between the two countries.
A three-minute video was screened showcasing Sri Lanka’s significant humanitarian gesture of donating over 35,000 Eye Corneas to the needy people of Pakistan through the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society, exemplifying the deep-rooted humanitarian bonds between the two countries.
In his speech, the Chief Guest Dr. Nadeem Jan, extended warm congratulations to the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for orchestrating a successful event and conveyed felicitations from the Government and the people of Pakistan to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. He highlighted the decades-long diplomatic relations in the areas of trade, culture, defence and people-to-people contact between the two countries, acknowledging the shared challenges and mutual cooperation. The chief guest highlighted the fact that introduction and implementation of the education and health reforms was done in Pakistan as per the Sri Lankan model.
The official event was also included the ceremonial cake cutting at the end. The High Commissioner extended his heartfelt appreciation to all participants for their presence at this momentous celebration. The event concluded with serving a Sri Lankan dinner.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Islamabad
08 February 2024
