Celebrations at Islamabad HC to mark Lankan independence

Tuesday, 17 February 2015 00:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad celebrated Sri Lanka’s 67th Independence Day on 4 February, at the High Commission premises with the hoisting of the national flag by High Commissioner Air Chief Marshal (R) Jayalath Weerakkody, the singing of the national anthem and the lighting of traditional oil lamp.

Multi-religious observances were conducted with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in Pakistan. Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner emphasised the important role Sri Lankan expatriates have to play and spoke about the new Government’s policy on development and improving bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The National Day messages of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera were also read out. At the end of the event, traditional food was served to the gathering.

A reception was organised to commemorate the 67th National Day of Sri Lanka at Serena Hotel, Islamabad on the evening of the same day. The Federal Minister of Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain and the Federal Minister of Ports and Shipping, Kamran Michael graced the occasion.

Parliamentarians, Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from international organisations, members of the business community, academia and civil society, media personnel and members of the Sri Lankan community in Pakistan were present at the occasion. About 350 invitees participated at this function.