73rd
Independence of Sri Lanka celebrated in a formal ceremony at the Embassy of Sri
Lanka with the participation of Embassy staff and religious dignitaries,
Presidents of Sri Lanka Friends Foundation, Thisarana Buddhist Association, Sri
Lanka Association of Norway, United Sri Lanka Muslim Association
of Norway and representatives of Dialog Forum through a virtual platform due to
constraints placed by the pandemic. The event went live due to restricted in person
participation.
The ceremony commenced with the
hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador H.E. Godfrey Cooray. The National
Anthem was played followed by the observance of two minutes silence in
remembrance of all heroes of the nation who sacrificed their lives for the sake
of the Motherland.
Following the lightning of the
traditional oil lamp by dignitaries, Buddhist religious observances was
conducted by venerable Marathugoda Manirathana Thero and Ven. Unapane Pemananda
Thero, Christian religious observances was conducted by Rev. Fr. Franklin
Fernando, Hindu religious observances was conducted by Sri Nithyananda Kurukkal
and Muslim religious observances was conducted by Mr. Anees Rauf blessing the
occasion and the country. The National Day messages of H. E. the President, the
Hon. Prime Minister, and Hon. Minister of External Affairs were read out respectively.
The Ambassador addressing the gathering
emphasized the importance of the unity of all Sri Lankans through which the
country had gained immense victories in its history. Further Ambassador Cooray
has highlighted the importance of pledging Sri
Lanka’s President His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s vision, ‘Vistas of
Prosperity and Splendour’ a reality and to build a free, independent, sovereign
and prosperous Sri Lanka, after seventy-three years of overcoming various
challenges.
H.E. Godfrey Cooray further underlined
that the other important task will be to create a progressive national economy
and a pluralistic society. Ambassador has highlighted the message of His
Excellency the President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and stated the important of
creating an environment that provides the youth and local entrepreneurs with
new opportunities, gives everyone new hope and a sense of pride, where people
can use their skills, talents and business acumen to be the world leaders in
any field of their choice. It is only by empowering people of Sri Lanka that they
can strengthen and expand the national economy. The responsibility of Sri
Lankans is to create an enabling environment for a citizen to be prosperous and
contented, leading to a happy family, and a law-abiding society in Sri Lanka. Ambassador
Cooray has highlighted the importance of making the country towards of
sustainable development.
The virtual ceremony has been moderated
by Second Secretary Mrs. Samanamli Atalugama and the vote of thanks has been
delivered by Attaché Mr. A.M.T. Subaraj. The
Ceremony concluded with the lunch serving of Sri Lankan dishes.