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| Wednesday, 11 February 2004 |
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by a special correspondent Sri Lanka's Independence Day celebrations in the United Kingdom was held at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London attended by a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates representing all walks of life. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Sri Lanka High Commissioner Mr. Faiz Musthapha to the accompaniment of Magul-Bera and the singing of the National Anthem by those present. The traditional oil lamp was lit by the High Commissioner Mr. Musthapha and the Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Ksenuka Senewiratne and those representing Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher Communities respectively. The religious observances were led by Ven. Tavalama Bandula Thera of the London Buddhist Viharaya, Kurrukkal R. Ratnasingham. Rev. Christopher Silva and Mr. Ishak Tahir. The High Commissioner Mr. Musthapha read out the National Day Messages of the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando. The High Commissioner said that the presence of such a large gathering of Sri Lankans was symbolic of their attachment to Sri Lanka. He said that he on behalf of his colleagues and on his own behalf wished to formally extend a very warm welcome to the Sri Lankans on this occasion of 56th anniversary of Independence. Conveying the warm felicitations from the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister he said that in their illuminating messages, our leaders have focused on our achievements, agonized over our shortcomings and pledged to achieve peace and prosperity in our Motherland. The High Commissioner said, "If you look at the roll-call of patriots whose united efforts enable us to regain our independence and sovereignty, you would note that they hail from all religions and communities. Unfortunately, a greater part of the post-independence period has seen troubled times, with insurgencies and a convoluted war of 19 years. But, whilst being self critical, let us not be unduly despondent. On the positive side our democratic institutions have functioned. We have been a vibrant democracy. We have conducted elections and changed governments by the exercise of the ballot. The quality of life has improved, progress have been made in the field of education and healthcare. We have put in place a free education system, free medical health and enlightened labour laws. We have sought to be governed by a democratic constitution and an independent judiciary. We have not merely survived but made progress despite tremendous odds, trials and tribulations. But unfortunately, we have dissipated our energies and our resources in internal strife." The High Commissioner Musthapha observed "Successive governments have sought to end the ethnic conflict by negotiations. The present challenge is to carry the process forward. We have proved to be a resilient and resourceful people." He said "We are confident that with the sagacity of our leaders and the mature wisdom of our people, we will arrive at a final settlement, which will guarantee peace and stability and enshrine the rights of all communities. It behoves us to fashion a Sri Lankan identity, irrespective of caste, creed or race, for we share a common heritage and above all a common destiny." Quoting from an Indian poet whose reflections on "Independence," he said sets out these thoughts most succinctly, the High Commissioner said, May our goal be the limitless heights of the sky May our feet be on the ground May our minds be full of unyielding determination May our hands be clasped together May our resolve be to march together If we do this, our victory is certain The High Commissioner said, "May I conclude by thanking you once again for your presence today and your abiding interest in Sri Lanka. Do enjoy the Sri Lankan fare that we have provided. Our only regret is that we could not make complete it, by providing Sri Lankan weather." At the reception which followed everyone who attended were treated with Sri Lankan traditional Kiribath, lunu miris, hoppers, ambul thiyal and many other Sri Lankan delicacies. |
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