68th Independence Day Celebrations

At the Maradana Jumma Mosque:

The Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs celebrated the day with a religious ceremony at the Maradana Jumma Mosque, Colombo recently. Moulavi Gulam Mohamed and Quari Mohamed Faizal conducted prayers in Sinhala and Tamil. Minister of Posts, Postal Service and Muslim Religious Affairs M.H.A. Haleem, State Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, MPs Mujeebur Rahuman, Ishak Rahuman, Ali Zahir Moulana, Western Provincial Councillor M.S.M. Fairoos, Ambassadors, Director of the Department M.H.M. Zameel, and Muslim religious dignitaries were present. Pic by : Ruzaik Farook

In Ottawa...

Celebrations in Canada were held at the official residence of the High Commissioner in Ottawa. It was attended by a large number of Sri Lankan Canadians representing all communities. Religious discourses on national unity were delivered by the Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic and Islamic clergy.

High Commissioner Ahmed A. Jawad highlighted the progress made by Sri Lanka over the years and in particular in the last year. Sri Lanka, he said,was at a crucial juncture where hard choices had to be made regarding reconciliation and economic development to ensure a bright future for the country and its people.

In Paris ...

The embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris celebrated the Day at the Salons Hoche, a prominent venue in Paris, with several events for the Sri Lankan community living in France. Around 500 guests representing all ethnic groups participated in the celebration.This was the first time in the recent past, that a large number of Sri Lankans gathered together in the true spirit of reconciliation.

The national anthem was played simultaneously followed by a two minute silence for all national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.The national day messages of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesingh and the Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera were read out in Sinhala and Tamil by Ambassador Tilak Ranaviraja said measures were taken by the embassy and the government to address issues faced by the Sri Lankan community living in France.

In Sweden...

Celebratory events were held at the embassy premises in the presence of a large gathering of the diplomatic community and senior officials representing the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden.

Ambassadress Ms. Damayanthie Rajapakse hoisted the national flag She said the government was commited to embark on post-conflict reconciliation and had major plans for economic development. Strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and Sweden was also emphasised.

In New York...

The Sri Lanka Permanent Mission to the United Nations held two events to mark the Day.

Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Dr. Rohan Perera hoisted the national flag in the presence of staff and well-wishers.

In keeping with the government's commitment to post-conflict reconciliation and fulfilling one of the core recommendations of the Lessons Learntand Reconciliation Commission, the national anthem was played in full in Sinhala and Tamil. Independence Day messages of the President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangal Samaraweera were also read.

The President of the General Assembly Morgens Lykketoft congratulated Sri Lanka on its 68th anniversary of Independence and Sri Lanka's positive interactions with the UN throughout the years.

The evening event featured archival photographs on display throughout the mission building that told the unique story of Sri Lanka's active involvement in the work of the UN, since its admission as a Member State.