“After three long decades, we are celebrating the independence in its truest form, independence from colonial clutches, and independence from terror and fear,” said the Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Southern India, Mr. Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, addressing at the celebration of 62nd Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence in Chennai.
Referring to the words of the late D.S. Senanayake, uttered on that historic day of 04th February 1948 that “Independence was obtained to reduce suffering and increase happiness amongst people, without any discrimination on grounds of race, political affiliation, religion, caste or gender”, the Deputy High Commissioner said that “today we have achieved greater freedom and it is not for any single community, but for all in Sri Lanka. History has shown us that when we are united, we progress. Now is our second chance for the repetition, to stand united for a better tomorrow.”
He also stated that as a Sri Lankan he is so proud to say that peace and harmony now prevail upon Sri Lanka and now, “our terror free country is on its fast track to be a prosperous, flourishing and a truly bountiful land. Sri Lanka remains one of the most attractive investment destinations in the Asia Pacific Region and is accelerating towards fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals at a record speed.”
The Deputy High Commissioner reaching out to the Sri Lankan community in Southern India urged them to consider the Deputy High Commission here as their “Maha Gedara” or “Thaiveedu” in India and affirmed that the Mission and its officers are dedicated to serve them and would also like to share their tears and smile.
Earlier Ambassodor Krishnamoorthy unfurled the Lankan national flag, among peels of Magul Bera and Coach Shell blowing, followed by Jaya Mangala Gatha.
Thereafter, religious dignitaries representing Buddhism ( Ven. Maharagama Somarathana Thero of Mahabodhi, Chennai), Hinduism (Gurukal Srithar Swaminathan), Christianity (Rt. Rev Dr. V. Dedvasahayam, CSI Bishop of Chennai) and Islam (Dr. Salahuddin Md. Ayub, Chief Quasi of Chennai) offered blessings and prayers for Sri Lanka and its citizens and prayed for a united, peaceful and a prosperous future for Sri Lanka.
Rajapaksa’s National day Tamil speech telecast
The National Day speech of Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa was telecast, wherein the president addressed fluently in Tamil as also in Sinhala and English. Addressing his country he gave an assurance that he would use his fresh mandate to regain what the island has lost during the war. While noting that this was the first celebration since the defeat of terrorism, President Rajapaksa also said that he would rebuild the country, specially the areas which were devastated during the 30 year conflict.
Earlier, as per the tradition carried out for so many years, an alms-giving was held for Ven. Maha Sanga from Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Centre in Chennai. The traditional “kuthuvilakku” was lighted besides the Deputy High Commissioner, by Mr. Samantha Nagahawatta, Country Manager, Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. J Rajendran, Country Manager, Bank of Ceylon, Chennai, Mr. S.T. Devarajan, Deputy General Manager, CECB, Mrs. J Krishnamoorthy, President, Seva Vanitha Unit of Dy. High Commission, and Mr. Ramachandra Sundaralingam, representing Sri Lankan Pensioners.
The sale of advance railway tickets were open for booking for the proposed Sri Lanka’s “Uthru-Mithru” railway tourism package, launched recently in the country, to link the North and the South touching 27 stations. Nearly 100 tickets were sold at the function for the tour package, which project is likely to get completed soon.
- Asian Tribune -
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