Independence celebrations

[China ]

The 62nd year of Sri Lanka's independence was celebrated on February 4 at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing. A special feature of the celebrations was the live telecast to the audience of the Presidential address to the Nation at the precinct of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, through inter-net facilities taking advantage of the two and a half hour time difference between Beijing and Sri Lanka.

The ceremony in Beijing, began with the hoisting of the National flag to the playing of the national anthem and observing of a two minutes silence in commemoration of the patriots of the nation who had sacrificed their lives to protect and preserve freedom and the territorial integrity of the country.

This was followed by the lighting of the oil lamp and religious dignitaries of the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and the Muslim communities invoking blessings on the country.

[Kuwait]

A ceremony to celebrate Sri Lanka's 62nd National Day was held at the chancery premises on February 4 with the participation of Sri Lankan nationals and well-wishers. As part of the celebrations, the Embassy also hosted a diplomatic reception for the Kuwaiti government leaders, officials, civil society members, members of the diplomatic corps, media and members of the Sri Lankan community in Kuwait at a hotel.

The event commenced with the hoisting of the national flag followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

The traditional oil lamp was lit thereafter, followed by the observance of a 02-minutes silence in honour of national heroes. The multi-religious observances were conducted to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Government and the people of Sri Lanka.

The National Day messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out in all 03 languages following which the Ambassador delivered a speech.