HC emphasizes importance of Lanka-Malaysia ties

Sri Lanka, a country which is proud of its 2500 year written history, gained its independence from the British occupancy in February 1948.

The 62nd Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka was celebrated at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 4 with the participation of Sri Lankans, diplomatic community, well-wishers of Sri Lanka and the Embassy staff.

The morning program took place at the High Commission, which was a multi religious event representing the four main religions of Sri Lanka. Following the hoisting of the national flag by High Commissioner Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe, a selected group among the distinguished guests were invited to light the traditional oil lamp with the High Commissioner and the Deputy High Commissioner.

Buddhist religious observances were conducted by Ven. K. Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia Buddhist Maha Vihara and Ven. Saranankara Maha Thera of the Sentul Buddhist Temple.

The Hindu religious observances were conducted by Swamy M. Velayutha Battar Siva Kumar, the Islamic religious observances by Moulavi Muhammad Salih (Manbai) and the Christian religious observances by Rev. Father James Gnanapragasam.

The reading of the National Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs were followed by two minutes silence in remembrance of those who paid the supreme sacrifice to the nation.

High Commissioner Dr. Ranasinghe highlighted the expectations of the people of Sri Lanka for its progress and development with the momentum gained after defeating terrorism in May 2009 that grappled the country for more than two decades and with the outstanding victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa by the Presidential Elections held on January 26. He further emphasized the importance of the time tested, cordial bilateral relations between Malaysia and Sri Lanka while appreciating the support and understanding, extended towards Sri Lanka by the government of Malaysia.

Emphasizing the importance of the expatriate Sri Lankan community in Malaysia, High Commissioner requested for their enhanced cooperation for the progress and development of Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner made the occasion an opportunity to introduce the “Uthuru Mithuru” Yal Devi friendship rail track reconstruction project to the community.

The event was attended by members of the community including the representatives of Sri Lanka diaspora in Malaysia as well as many well- wishers of Sri Lanka. After the formal Independence Day ceremony the launch of Sri Lanka musical extravaganza, a fund raising program being organized by the Sri Lanka welfare workers society in Malaysia in cooperation with the High Commission was conducted.