72nd Independence ceremony at Embassy of Sri Lanka, Warsaw

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Warsaw celebrated the 72nd anniversary of Independence on 8 February at the Embassy premises, with the participation of the Sri Lankan community, the Embassy officials, and their families. 

The official ceremony proceedings commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador CAHM Wijeratna, to the accompaniment of ‘magul bera’, followed by singing of the National Anthem.

Thereafter, two minutes’ silence was observed in remembrance of all those who had sacrificed their lives for the motherland. 

The traditional oil lamp was lit by the Ambassador, staff, members of the Sri Lankan community and Polish friends. 

The event also honoured the multi-religious culture by representing the four main religions of Sri Lanka: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The National Day messages of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena were recited in Sinhala and English languages, respectively.

The Ambassador, in his address, highlighted the historical importance of the day and cordial and cooperative relations that have existed between Sri Lanka and Poland. He said the two countries are closely cooperating with each other in many areas and it will open a new chapter in the bilateral-commercial relationship as well as boost trade ties between the two countries. 

The National Day ceremony concluded after lunch was served to all participants.