High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, South Africa organizes an austere event to celebrate the 75th Independence Day

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria, South Africa commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the independence of our motherland with Sri Lankans and well-wishers at the High Commission on 04 February 2023.

Around 150 Sri Lankans in and around Pretoria, Johannesburg, other accredited countries, and friends of Sri Lanka participated in the event.

The event started with the singing of the Sri Lankan National Anthem followed by the National Anthem of the Republic of South Africa. A two-minute silence was observed as a respect for those who sacrificed their lives on behalf of the motherland.

The High Commissioner then invited children and young Sri Lankans present to participate in the lighting of the traditional lamp as a symbol of passing the traditional values to the next generation.

Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian religious observances and blessings to the motherland for peace and prosperity were delivered by Most Ven. Phra Kitsakol Phaenoi, Abbot of the Johannesburg Buddhist Temple, Guru Ratnasabapathy Vengatraman of the Adhi Lingeswarar Hindu Temple in Benoni, Moulana Ebrahim I Bham of the Jamiatul Ulama, South Africa, and Pastor Keshia Van Rooyen of the Christian Revival Church, Johannesburg.

Following the welcome address by the High Commissioner, Prof. Gamini Gunawardane, Independence Day messages from President Ranil Wickremesinghe and President of the Republic of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa were read out to the audience by Mission staff.

The official event concluded with the playing of the Sri Lankan National Anthem in Tamil.

All attendees were then served traditional Sri Lanka cuisine including Kiribath, String Hoppers (Idiappa), Fish Curry, Dhal Curry, Lunumiris, Kokis, Coconut Sambal, and Ceylon Tea.