Korea celebrates National Foundation Day in Colombo

The Korean Embassy led by Korean Ambassador Miyon Lee on 6 October hosted the National Foundation Day celebrations of the Republic of Korea, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.

It was a monumental year to commemorate the 4,355th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean nation and the 46th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka. The National Foundation Day reception was celebrated with the participation of many Korean nationals and Sri Lankans.

Among the dignitaries, the National Foundation Day celebration witnessed the gracious presence of the Chief Guest, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, Cabinet and State Ministers, Secretaries and Ambassadors who have contributed to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka. Members of the Korean communities and representatives of various segments of Sri Lanka were also present at the event to facilitate this occasion.

Delivering the opening remarks, Ambassador Miyon Lee engaged the audience on the values Korea has upheld for years respecting universal principles such as freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law. She also emphasised on the links Korea has maintained over the years with other nations and how such relationships have given Korea a sense of national identity, pride and unity.

The Ambassador while stressing the importance of Korea’s version of the Indo-Pacific strategy expressed her desire to increase engagement and cooperation in the region advocating for freedom, peace and prosperity. Also referring to the meeting of the two presidents at the UNGA sideline she highlighted that Sri Lanka will remain a key partner for Korea’s endeavour in building regional cooperation

The Ambassador also highlighted Korea’s bid towards hosting Busan World Expo 2030 and presented how Korea aspires to create a global platform to fight against the climate crisis and build a sustainable future.

Ambassador Miyon Lee explained in detail various development projects steered by the Korean development agencies in Sri Lanka and expressed her vision to further strengthen the cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka in the years to come and to stand with Sri Lanka during these hard times in the midst of an economic recovery in the country.

The Ambassador was also pleased to introduce the “Korea Dream Team” that has worked together in implementing the development projects such as KOICA, Korea EXIM Bank, KOTRA, EPS Centre, KOPIA, KOFIH, and the Saemaul Foundation.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera gracing the National Foundation Day as the Chief Guest extended his wishes for the 4,355th anniversary and complimented the generous contributions made by the Korean Government to empower the economy of Sri Lanka. He especially appreciated the efforts of KOICA in implementing a research program for the development of agricultural production in Sri Lanka that made way to reap more harvest. He also expressed his gratitude for job opportunities the Korean Government had offered Sri Lankans in the Korean labour market and how it had been a win-win situation for both the countries.

While highlighting trade, investment and tourism links, Amaraweera invited the Korean society to invest in Sri Lanka to further strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.

The ceremony also celebrated the abundant cultural amusement of sports, dance and music of Korea. The winners of the K-Pop World Festival entertained the crowd with their dancing talent whereas the athletes of the National Taekwondo Federation showcased their mastery in Korean martial arts.

Furthermore, this year’s celebration exhibited and was themed on the beauty of Korea. There were photographs of landscapes and sceneries of various cities of Korea displayed along the hallway at the entrance for the participants to take a view and a photo booth with Hanboks, a Korea corner to click photographs with a backdrop of the “World Expo 2023”.

Just as any other year, this year’s National Foundation Day was also celebrated with the diligent contribution of the Korean nationals in Sri Lanka. Their spirit of national identity, pride and unity weaved among the attendees. At the National Foundation Day reception followed by dinner the Korean Ambassador Miyon lee made her time even to host a photo session with the Korean community in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankans who graced the occasion that evening.