68th Independence Day celebrations in Ottawa

Tuesday, 9 February 2016 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s 68th Independence Day celebrations were held at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner in Ottawa on 4 February 2016. It was attended by a large number of Sri Lankan Canadians representing all communities. Religious discourses on the theme of national unity were delivered by the Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic and Islamic clergy.

Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Canada, Ahmed A. Jawad highlighted the progress made by Sri Lanka over the years and in particular during the last year. Sri Lanka, he said, was at a crucial juncture where hard choices had to be made in the cause of reconciliation and economic development in order to ensure a bright future for the country and its people. The High Commissioner highlighted that democracy had prevailed over the period of well over six decades as an independent nation, despite occasional challenges. This, he stated, is testimony to the dedication of the Sri Lankan people towards ensuring fundamental freedoms. The High Commissioner also spoke on the new trajectory of Sri Lanka-Canada bilateral relations. Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Jawad said now stands on the threshold of a new and promising era; and likened its position to an instance of some soils holding their stirring for a delayed but eventually colourful flowering. He appealed to Sri Lankan Canadians to contribute in any manner they could to this process.