Ceremonial commencement of work at Lankan Embassy in Rome

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Rome held a ceremonial commencement of work for 2013 on 1 January. The event kick started with two minute silence in order to commemorate war heroes and others who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, after Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Rome Asitha Perera hoisted the National Flag in the presence of the staff of the mission.

Thereafter, the reading of the oath of public servants was administered.

The Ambassador addressing the staff wished them a bright, prosperous, and peaceful New Year, referring to the New Year message delivered by the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Quoting President Rajapaksa, the Ambassador stated, “We step into this New Year as a country that has gained immense progress in freedom, democracy and the task of development, and as one that has successfully faced many challenges. Similarly, we move into this New Year as a country that has won the confidence of people, both home and abroad.”

“Therefore, the year dawning today, will see valuable work for the progress of democracy, equality among people and important aspects of development in our motherland. It is my belief that all communities will join in unity with the common purpose of success towards realising these goals. The achievement of success in all tasks before us with determination, commitment and courage is my wish for our motherland in 2013.”