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The precision and purposefulness of the parade ground was evident at the ceremony to mark the 54th anniversary of Independence held by the Sri Lanka High Commission , Canberra on February 4th.

It rained, but this did not deter the High Commission from holding the ceremony exactly as scheduled. The people who telephoned the Chancery to ascertain whether the ceremony would be held or cancelled were told it would be held as announced-rain or sunshine, hail, snow or blizzard. Indeed after a long summer drought and disastrous bush fires, the rain was welcome.

The Independence Day ceremony, usually held on the grounds of the Chancery, was held indoors in the reception area which was filled with members of the expatriate community that came to celebrate. Many had taken time off from work to remember a significant day in the history of the island in which they were born and about whose welfare they were concerned.

The Australian Government was represented by Mr.Philip Stonehouse, Director South Asia Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The rain cased to a few drops as 10.00 a.m. when the High Commissioner, Major General Janaka Perera, walked out in national dress to hoist the flag of Sri Lanka to the beat of magul bera (traditional drums). This was followed by Buddhists among those assembled undertaking to observe the five Precepts, followed by anusanana (discourse) by Ven. Mahilahinne Nandarathana Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihare. Pandit Ravindra, from the Mawson Hindu Temple and Mr. Ahmed Youssef, a dignitary from the Canberra Islamic Centre. read passages from the Hindu and Islamic scriptures respectively. Rev. Father John Armstrong, the Administrator of St. Christopher's Cathedral said a prayer for peace in Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner, Major Gen. Janaka Perera, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Esala Weerakoon and Mr. Ken Siva then read out the messages issued by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinge and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tyronne Fernando in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages respectively. In his address, the High Commissioner , Maj.General Perera emphasized the importance of peace and stability played in the development of a country and called for all Sri Lankan expatriates to unite under one banner for peace, stability and prosperity in the motherland and for strengthening the bonds of friendship between Sri Lanka and Australia. Echoing the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's address to Parliament he said that a solution that would ensure the territorial integrity of the country and preserve the rights of all sections of the people is needed.

The large number of people stayed to partake of festive morning tea, kiribath, kavun, kokis, athiraha and of course, Sri Lanka tea, and talk with hope about the peace process.

In the evening the High Commissioner hosted about 400 people to a reception at Sri Lanka House.

The invitees included Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Parliamentarians, senior Australian Government officials, academics, Chief of the Australian Army, Captains of Industry and media personnel. The large and representative gathering was a clear indication of the esteem Sri Lanka enjoyed in Australia. It was after many years that such a distinguished gathering was seen at Sri Lanka House.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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