Sri Lanka's Independence Day celebrations in Sweden :

Responsibility of all to protect country's unity - Ambassador

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Sweden held the 65th Independence Day celebration at the Embassy premises on February 4.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Oshadhi Alahapperuma, Minister Counselor S.B. Wijekoon, Third Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy Geshan Dissanayake, other religious dignitaries and Embassy staff at Sri Lanka’s 65th Independence Day celebrations in Sweden.

The official ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Oshadhi Alahapperuma amid the beating of 'Magul Bera' followed by the recital of the National Anthem. The traditional oil lamp was lit by the Ambassador, staff members and members of the Sri Lankan community.

Two minutes of silence was observed in remembrance of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Sri Lanka. Minister Counselor S.B. Wijekoon gave the welcome speech which was followed by Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic religious observances conducted by the Most Venerable Kirindigalle Dhammaratana Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Stockholm Buddhist Vihara and Nayaka Thera of Scandinavian countries, who also spoke about the significance and value of independence and the responsibility of the citizen; Chief Priest Mohan of Sweden Ganesha Temple and Immam Yusuf Mulim respectively.

Ven. Watapana Pannarathana Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Stockholm Tapovana Temple and Venerable Mathale Dammakanda Thera of the Stockholm Buddhist Vihara also joined the Buddhist religious observances. The National Day Messages of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read by Ambassador Oshadhi Alahapperuma, Minister Counselor S.B. Wijekoon and Third Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy Geshan Dissanayake. The Tamil translations of the messages were read by Mrs. Prabha Shanmugabalan.

Ambassador Alahapperuma stated that Sri Lanka is heading towards a new era of development under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He said that responsibility lies on all Sri Lankans, irrespective of their ethnicity, to preserve and protect the country's unity.