Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Friday, 14 February 2014 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The official ceremony was held at the chancery on 4 February with the participation of representatives of the Sri Lankan-American community.
The event commenced with Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya ceremonially hoisting the national flag amidst the beating of traditional magul bera drums followed by the national anthem of Sri Lanka. After observing two minutes of silence for fallen heroes, the traditional oil lamp was lit prior to the religious observances.
Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayake Thero and Chief Incumbent of the Maryland Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Nayake Thero conducted the Buddhist religious observances and blessings. Kanaga Ranganathan conducted the Hindu blessings followed by Christian prayers by Dr. Greg Fernandopulle, while Brother Abaasse led the Islamic religious observances.
Ambassador Wickramasuriya read the Independence Day message from President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The ceremony at the chancery concluded with the guests enjoying a traditional breakfast with milk rice and sweetmeat including kewum and kokkis.
On the same day, the Embassy hosted an evening reception at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (The Kennedy Center) in Washington.
In his welcome remarks at the reception, the Ambassador underscored that Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country where people have lived peacefully for thousands of years.
He recalled that Sri Lanka had to face many challenges in recent history, including separatist terrorism, and the nation has successfully overcome them under the visionary leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“I am proud to say - for the last four years there has been not a single loss of life due to terrorism in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Ambassador Wickramasuriya further noted that the most important interest of Sri Lanka at this crucial juncture is to further consolidate lasting peace through reconciliation.
“We are determined to reconcile and build a peaceful and prosperous country and what we expect from our true friends in the international community is genuine and meaningful support towards this process,” he said.
Among the large and representative audience were senior US Government officials, Ambassadors, senior diplomats, business leaders, journalists and scholars.
"Sri Lanka expects genuine and meaningful support for reconciliation from international community – Ambassador Wickramasuriya"
The highlight of the evening was the grand Sri Lankan cultural spectacle presented by world-renowned Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation on the prestigious Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts joined hands with the Embassy of Sri Lanka Washington this year to present the opulence of Sri Lankan culture to the US audience.
Eight-year-old Inuki Wettasinghe, representing the Sri Lankan-American community welcomed the packed audience. Ambassador Wickramasuriya briefly enlightened the audience about the history of Sri Lanka and US-Sri Lankan ties, and thanked the Kennedy Center and the spectators for their support. The dance artists led by Channa Wijewardene, the traditional drummers led by percussionist Jananath Warakagoda and the performance of violinist Ruwan Weerasekara captivated the crowd drawing tumultuous rounds of applause for each act.
The show was streamed live on the Kennedy Center website.
The Embassy organised another Sri Lankan cultural performance at the World Bank Preston Auditorium on 6 February. The main Independence Day celebration with the Sri Lankan-American community was held on 8 February at the University of District of Columbia Auditorium.
