Sri Lanka Independence Day In Palestine

"Sri Lanka being a consistent and long standing supporter of the Palestinian cause, it gives me great pleasure to attend this 62nd Independence Day reception and extend greetings and best wishes to the Government and peoples of Sri Lanka" stated Dr. Riad Al Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian National Authority.

Speaking at the reception held in Ramallah on 4th February to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka.Addressing the large gathering of guests Dr. Riad Al Malki further stated that President Mahmoud Abbas is highly impressed with the warm welcome he received during his visit to Sri Lanka.

Palestine he said will be striving to establish a closer relationship with Sri Lanka by taking steps to implement the clauses of the MOU signed during that visit.

He also congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his recent re-elction as President of Sri Lanka for another term. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a close friend of Palestine he said.

Dr. T.Jayasinghe, diplomatic Representative for Sri Lanka in Palestine in his address of welcome stated that this year Sri Lanka is celebrating its Independence Day after two major victories and many achievements.

The main victory was the defeat of the world's most ruthless terrorist group LTTE that had been for the last 30 years massacring innocent civilians, intellectuals and politicians including Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi. The next was the resounding victory of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential election held last month.

Among the achievements are those in the economic and social sectors. Sri Lanka is now graded the fastest developing economy, second only to China. The other is in the field of infrastructure development where new roads, harbors, airports etc are constructed. Sri Lanka is now a popular tourist destination recommended as one of the safest and most attractive. There is now a steady flow of tourists from Palestine to Sri Lanka.

The function commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp to the accompaniment of the beating of drums and was followed by the singing of Sri Lankan and Palestinian national anthems. Those taking part in the lighting the oil lamp were Dr. Riad Al Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arafat Khalaf, Mayor of Betunia, Rev Fr. Illiyas Awwad, Azzam Al Ajouly representing the Palestinian business community and Kanthi Milroy from the Sri Lankan community in Palestine.

The Independence Day Message of President Mahinda Rajapaksa was read by Siraj ahamed of the Representative Office followed by messages of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mayor of Betunia Arafat Khalaf presented a memento to Dr. T.Jayasinghe as an appreciation the valued friendship between Palestine and Sri Lanka.

A group of children from the Betunia Children's Home who attended the function were presented with gifts of tea boxes. A large number of diplomats, businessmen, Muslim and Christian clergy and members of the Palestine Sri Lanka Friendship Association participated.

- Asian Tribune -