SL highlights economic growth and strengthening bilateral ties with Romania

• Ambassador Madurika Weninger spearheads showcasing during SL’s 77th Independence Day Celebrations in Bucharest

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Romania celebrated the 77th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day on 4 February, 2025. The event was attended by religious dignitaries, the Sri Lankan community, honorary consul, representatives from recruitment companies, and Embassy staff.

The official ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Madurika Joseph Weninger, amidst beating of the ‘magul bera’ followed by the National Anthem and a two-minute silence in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for Sri Lanka’s freedom. The ceremony also included the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and multi-religious prayers, invoking blessings for the nation.

Buddhist prayers were led by Venerable Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Nayake Thero, Hindu prayers by Swami Shri Shivaji Habale, Christian prayers by Archbishop of Bucharest His Grace Aurel Perca and Rev. Fathers, and Islamic prayers by Mowlavi, Dr. Ahmed Nakechbandy. Messages from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath were read by the Ambassador and staff in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. In her address, Ambassador Weninger expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan community, Romanian friends and the honorary consul for their continued support and emphasised the Embassy’s commitment to serving the large Sri Lankan expatriate community in Romania.  

President Dissanayake’s vision, highlighting the launch of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka Project,’ which aims to enhance governance, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability through national collaboration was explained to the guests. Aligned with this initiative, the Embassy hosted the National Day event in the Consular section, creating a multifunctional public space that embodies the Clean Sri Lanka Project philosophy.  

Following the formal morning ceremony, a diplomatic reception for nearly 300 guests was hosted in the evening at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Bucharest, utilising the full grandeur of the Embassy’s stunning premises. The event was honoured by the presence of the Guest of Honour, State Secretary for Global Affairs and International Organisations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania Traian Laurentiu Hristea, alongside other distinguished figures from the Romanian Government. Notable attendees included the State Secretaries for Health and Culture, the State Counsellor from the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, the President of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, as well as members of the diplomatic corps., academia, and Romania’s vibrant business community.

Their participation highlighted the growing and strong partnership between Sri Lanka and Romania, which has been further strengthened when the Foreign Ministers of our two nations celebrated the official inauguration of Sri Lanka’s first Embassy in Bucharest in July of last year. These events serve as a testament to the expanding diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.

“Sri Lanka is now open for investment following the successful conclusion of debt restructuring and a recent upgrade to its credit rating, with the economy projected to have grown by 5% in 2024,” stated the Ambassador. 

Ambassador Weninger acknowledged Romania’s significant role in providing employment to over 40,000 Sri Lankan workers, who are making valuable contributions to both economies. Both nations are set to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation, with ongoing discussions focused on creating a Government-to-Government mechanism to align Sri Lankan skills with Romania’s labour market needs. Remittances from Sri Lankan workers in Romania currently amount to over $ 15 million per month.

State Secretary for Global Affairs and International Organisations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Traian Laurentiu Hristea, who extended his congratulations on the National Day celebrations, recalled the signing of the first program of cooperation in 2024 between the governments of Romania and Sri Lanka in the fields of education, science, culture, mass-media, youth, and sports. “And I am very optimistic that such a bilateral program will generate new possibilities to keep up the cooperation among people-to-people.” he said.

State Secretary Traian Hristea further said, “The favourable dynamics should continue, with outpost commitments from both sides, and we are keen to capitalise and to build on this strong basis.” He also said, “The Indo-Pacific region’s strategic relevance in the current international context is a continuous rise, and Europe and the Indo-Pacific are intertwined, both economically as well as in terms of security aspects.” 

A special video presentation spotlighting key economic sectors, including tourism, Ceylon tea and cinnamon, and Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, captivated the audience. Cultural performances by the Sri Lankan community in Romania featured music, song, and dance, celebrating our island’s artistic talent.

As part of the evening’s celebrations, the Embassy set up a ‘Ceylon Tea House,’ offering a selection of specialty teas from Sri Lanka’s seven distinct regions, including premium green and flavoured teas. Renowned Sri Lankan tea brands such as JAF, Hyson, Impra, Akbar, Tea 4u, Thurson, Mlesna, Empire, Stassen, Basilur, and Tea Tang were showcased. Guests received gift bags filled with top-quality Ceylon teas, courtesy of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, complemented by traditional Sri Lankan sweetmeats. Additionally, guests were treated to a variety of Sri Lankan delicacies, featuring iconic dishes from both the southern and northern regions of Sri Lanka, along with live stations for ‘Hoppers’ and a ‘Koththu’ hub. 

A display of Sri Lanka’s diverse products — such as handloom sarongs, Batik shirts and sarongs, gems and jewellery with gem studded ornate elephants, Nootz coconut products, and exotic Sri Lankan spices — allowed guests to explore and experience the country’s unique offerings. The Sri Lanka Tourism Desk shared materials promoting the campaign - “You Will Come Back for More” initiative, while visitors enjoyed Sri Lanka’s Arabica Coffee with a touch of ‘Ceylon Cinnamon.’

Ambassador Madurika Weninger concluded by reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties, with strong support from the Romanian Government officials, the Sri Lankan expatriate community living in Romania as Sri Lanka embarks on a new chapter of growth and prosperity.