Tuesday 17 / September / 2024
Muscat: The 76th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was officially celebrated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Muscat on 4th February 2024 at the Embassy premises with the participation of the Sri Lankan expatriates in the Sultanate of Oman.
The Independence Day event commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman A.L. Sabarullah Khan, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance and honour of all patriots who sacrificed their lives for our motherland. Thereafter, community representatives joined the lighting of traditional oil lamp, which was followed by religious sermons and blessings by Priests of four major faiths in Sri Lanka through digital media.
The Independence Day message of President Ranil Wickremesinghe was read by the Counsellor/Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Sinhala language and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was read by the Ambassador in Tamil language while the Independence Day message of Foreign Minister M.U.M Ali Sabry was read by Counsellor/ Employment & Welfare in English.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Sabarullah Khan greeted the Sri Lankan community in Oman, extending his gratitude for their great support and paid tribute to H.M. Sultan, government and people of the Sultanate of Oman for the continued support extended to Sri Lanka. Ambassador highlighted the activities of the Embassy and achievements in the bilateral relations during the past one-year period, including the labour welfare facilities extended, exhibitions and trade enhancing initiatives launched by the Embassy. He invited all members of the Sri Lankan community who live in the Sultanate of Oman to join hands by extending their cooperation to work for the peace and prosperity of Sri Lanka while explaining the yearlong action plan of the Embassy and his ambition in promotion of Sri Lankan Tourism and economic ties with the Sultanate.
Counsellor, Head of Chancery Ms. Anodya Chirasrie delivered vote of thanks. The event was concluded with Sri Lankan traditional breakfast for all guests.
