Independence celebrations in Brazil

The 61st anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence was celebrated at the Ambassador’s Official Residence on February 4 in Brasilia.

The program comprised of hoisting of the National Flag, playing of the National Anthem and the Magul Bera, religious observances, reading of the National Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, lighting of the traditional oil lamp and observing of two minutes silence in memory of the Armed Forces’ personnel who laid down their lives for the nation.

Sri Lankans residing in Brasilia, Asia Oceania Ambassadors, Officials of the Ministry of External Relations, Senators, leading businessmen and investors attended the function. The significance of this year celebrations was the presence of two Senators, viz. Messrs Christovam Buarque and Eduardo Matarazzo Suplicy. Senator Christovam Buarque is the founding member of the Brazil - Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association.

It may be noted that Senator Christovam Buarque visited Sri Lanka in the aftermath of tsunami in 2004.

Some of the invitees travelled from far away places such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to participate in the celebrations.

The Charge d’ Affaires addressed the gathering. The Charge d’ Affaires in his brief address remarked how the Government under the able stewardship of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is making every possible effort to develop the country in accordance with “Mahinda Chintana” - (Mahinda’s Vision), to restore democracy and the rule of the law in the East and the North of the island.

The Charge d’ Affaires expressed his deep appreciation and admiration for Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama for his pragmatic approach in the formulation and implementation of Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy under the guidance of the President in protecting and preserving Sri Lanka’s national interest, security and economic prosperity.

He highlighted the fact that how the Eastern Province has been liberated from the clutches of LTTE terrorists and how a former child soldier became a Chief Minister and the former Senior Commander in the LTTE has entered Parliament.

He also indicated that people of the North will be liberated soon from the iron grip of the LTTE terrorists. The people of the North will then be able to enjoy the fruits of democracy and freedom after a very long spell.

The event received wide spread coverage in “The Guide”, a prestigious and leading business daily in Brazil.

A documentary on the Sri Lankan tourism industry was also shown on a private TV channel to coincide with Sri Lanka’sNational Day. At the end of the ceremony the guests were hosted to typical Sri Lankan cuisine.

A newsletter was released containing the National Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and circulated among the guests.

The Administrative Attache thanked all those who contributed in making this event a great success.