Sri Lanka Mission in Jakarta Celebrates 65th Anniversary of Independence

65th Anniversary of Independence and the 1st event of a series of Events to celebrate 60 years of Diplomatic Relations conducted as one event.

The Morning Event

Sri Lankan community in Indonesia all of whom are members of the Association of Sri Lankans in Indonesia joined Maj. Gen (Retd) Nanda Mallawaarachchi, the Ambassador along with members of the home based staff and their family members and the local staff for the Flag Hoisting Ceremony.

Morning Celebrations commenced by hoisting the National Flag by Ambassador while beating the Magul Bera by Sri Lankan drummers followed by the National Anthem.

After lighting of traditional Oil Lamp by the participants, two minutes silence was observed to pay tribute to National Heroes.Religious leaders representing Buddhists, Hindu, Christian and Islam conducted their rites and prayers, blessing Sri Lanka and its people.

After welcoming the participants, Mr. W.M.S. Bandara , Minsiter, invited the Ambassador for his National Day remarks. While appreciating the solidarity extended by Sri Lankans with their participation at the National Day Celebration, H.E. the Ambassador highlighted the massive development initiatives undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka under the leadership of Mahinda Rajapaksa fostering national unity. Thereafter Independence Messages of President, Prime Minister D.M. Jayarathna and Minister of Eternal Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris were read.

After the vote of thanks, all participants were invited for traditional tea consisting of Sri Lankan sweetmeats.

The Evening Reception

The Evening Reception and the Cultural Show was held from 18.30hrs to 22.00hrs at the Usmar Ismail Hall was attended by around 300 guests, consisting Resident Ambassadors, high ranking government officials and other distinguished invitees. This event was the first of a series of events to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

The Event was graced by Mr. Muhaimin Iskandar, Minister of Manpower and Transmigration representing President Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Government of Indonesia along with H.E. Wardana, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

After playing the National Anthem, Ambassador in his remarks highlighted the achievements of the Government of Sri Lanka headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, in the sphere of nation building and economic development. He also highlighted the friendly and healthy bilateral relations and cooperation maintained by Sri Lanka and Indonesia for mutual benefit of both countries.

Performance by the Sri Lankan artists particularly the Ballet of Rama Sitha was impressive and exciting. They also performed Sri Lankan Folk Dances depicting rites and rituals associated with folk beliefs of our country for over centuries.

At the end of the show, all artists were presented with gifts by the Chief Guest, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador and Mrs. Shari Mallawaraachchi.

Sri Lankan carrier Mihin Lanka ltd based in Jakarta made use of this event to promote Sri Lanka as the best tourist destination in the region and conducted a marketing activity parallel to the event.

- Asian Tribune -