Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 4

On the occasion of the 56th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal organised a flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate the event at the embassy premises. At the ceremony, leaders of various religions — Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Muslim — prayed for the peace and prosperity of Sri Lanka.

"Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious country though it is known as a Buddhist nation. We have religious tolerance and freedom is for everybody for all reasons, not just political. This sort of ceremony emphasises that. Every year on this day, in Sri Lankan embassies all over the world, this ceremony is held," shared Grace A Asirwatham, Sri Lankan ambassador, into her second year in Nepal as a diplomat.

The Sri Lankan expatriate community in Nepal expressed their happiness at the ceasefire in Sri Lanka. Chandrika Kumaratunga, president of Sri Lanka, also extended best wishes through a letter which was read out by the ambassador.

"Let us today remember with respect and appreciation the great Sri Lankans who pioneered our Independence Movement; the men and women who rose above their religious, political, language, caste and creed affiliation; they who made huge sacrifices to realise the singular and noble vision of heralding an independent Sri Lanka,” read the message.

Messages sent by prime minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Tyronne Fernando, minister of foreign affairs were also read out.

After the ceremony, milk and rice cakes and Ceylon tea were served, Sri Lankan dishes that are served on auspicious occasions. In the evening, a reception at Hyatt Regency offered a scrumptious spread and Ceylon tea.