Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday, 11 February 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai commemorated Sri Lanka’s 65th Independence Day on a grand scale in Dubai this year. The official ceremony comprised of hoisting the national flag, lighting the traditional oil lamp and singing the national anthem, the blessing of four major religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity) and reading of messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs, and was held on the Consulate premises on the morning of 4 February 2013.
Consul General of Sri Lanka Abdul Raheem hoisted the national flag in the presence of a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates in Dubai. To mark 65th anniversary, the Sri Lanka Consulate in Dubai published six pages in the newspaper supplement in Kaleej Times, highlighting Sri Lanka’s potential for foreign investment, trade opportunities and tourist attractions.
Consul General Abdul Raheem also organised a dinner reception, inviting high ranking UAE officials, the diplomatic community, Emiratis, businessmen and members of the Sri Lankan community on 5 February 2013 at Le Meridian Hotel, Dubai.
Hamid Mohammed Al Qutami, the Education Minister of UAE, was the Chief Guest and large members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen and Sri Lankans attended the dinner reception. Sri Lankan traditional cultural items were performed by local talent and two return air tickets with a two night holiday package was given to winners of the raffle. Abdul Raheem in his remarks mentioned that in the Gulf region, the UAE is the largest export market for Sri Lanka, the largest source of imports to Sri Lanka, and the largest investor in Sri Lanka. UAE is also home to a large number of Sri Lankan expatriates among Gulf countries.
Due to the political stability and permanent peace in the country, Sri Lanka is now the most sought out destination for trade, economic and political interaction for the international community and global partners.
