Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara celebrates 72nd Independence Day of Sri Lanka

The Embassy of Sri Lanka celebrated the 72nd anniversary of independence with the participation of religious dignitaries, Sri Lankancommunity living in Turkey and Georgia and the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Turkey on 4 February at the chancery premises. Ambassador M Rizvi Hassen hoisted the National Flag amidst beating of “magul bera” which followed the singing of the National Anthem. 

Ambassador M Rizvi Hassen

The Embassy for the first time after establishment of the Mission in Ankara conducted multi religious observances during the celebration at the chancery. On the invitation of the Ambassador, Chief Incumbent of Shakyamuni Viharaya Ven. Katuwana Siddhaththa Thero travelled from Rome to conduct the Buddhist religious observances and Ankit Tiwari, Prof. Mehmet Akif Koc, Rev. Fr. Seraphin Ngoie Kazadi conducted the Hindu, Islam and Catholic prayers. 

The Ambassador and the Embassy staff read the Independence Day messages of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena.

During the brief remarks the Ambassador noted the strong and long-standing relationship between Sri Lankan and Turkey and thanked the President of Turkey and Government of the Turkey for the goodwill extended to Sri Lanka. The Ambassador also expressed his determination to enhance trade, investment, tourism and cultural ties and commitment to assist Sri Lankans living in Turkey, Ukraine and Georgia thorough an efficient network to reach them. At the conclusion of the event Ambassador planted an olive tree at the chancery premises to mark the anniversary of Independence. 

The Embassy also organised a reception to celebrate on 6 February at Swiss Hotel, Ankara. The members of Turkey-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association, Turkish bureaucrats, diplomatic corps, heads of media institutions, business chambers, business personalities and popular Turkish artists and sportsmen attended the event. The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Turkey Levente Gok and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of National Education of Turkey Reha Denemec attended as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour. 

On the evening of 4 February, as a gesture to showcase solidarity and friendship towards people of Sri Lanka, Cankaya Municipality and the senior management of Atakule Tower in Ankara carried a message of greeting lit with the Sri Lankan National Flag on the Atakule Tower, and a similar gesture was also extended by the Istanbul Mayoralty and Galata Tower management by displaying message of greetings through a laser light on the historic Galata Tower in Istanbul.