SL independence celebrations at High Commission in Dhaka

Tuesday, 17 February 2015 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Bangladesh celebrated Sri Lanka’s 67th Independence Day on 4 February at two separate events held within the Sri Lanka Residence premises, which was graced by a large number of Sri Lankans along with members from the diplomatic community and prominent political and business leaders in Bangladesh.

At one of the ceremonies, Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner in Bangladesh, A.G. Abeysekera, hoisted the national flag to the beat of traditional Magul Bera drums and Jayamangalagatha sung by children from the Sri Lanka Dhamma School. Religious observances by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic priests were conducted invoking blessings on Sri Lanka and its people and two minutes’ silence in honour of all those who sacrificed their lives for Sri Lanka was observed. The Independence Day message of President Maithripala Sirisena was also read in all three languages. Addressing the large Sri Lankan community present at the occasion, the Acting High Commissioner highlighted the importance of strengthening national unity amongst all communities under the new administration in Sri Lanka. He also thanked and invited the Sri Lankan expat community in Bangladesh to contribute towards the economic development in Sri Lanka. At the conclusion of the ceremony, nearly 300 Sri Lankans who were present at the event were able to enjoy a traditional breakfast spread which included kiribath and sweetmeats.

The mission also organised a reception for the diplomatic and business community of Bangladesh during the evening of 4 February and Md. Shahriar Alam, Bangladesh’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Over 200 diplomats, senior government officials, Bangladeshi Armed Forces members, business leaders and media personnel attended the event which featured traditional Sri Lankan dances and a spread of traditional Sri Lankan food. Acting High Commissioner Abeysekera, addressing the gathering, recognised the excellent relations between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka while appreciating the people of Bangladesh for their steadfast support for Sri Lanka on the international platform and urged further enhancement of existing bilateral ties. The State Minister, in his remarks, recalled the cordial relationship between the two countries that has existed over the years and expressed hope that under the new leadership in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will be able to further strengthen the ongoing dialogue between them to enhance cooperation in various areas, particularly in the fields of healthcare, shipping, connectivity, trade and economic activities. Two special newspaper supplements were published in the Independent and the Financial Express English daily newspapers in Bangladesh to mark the occasion.