• 4.02.2017 - 13:59

The 69th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka was celebrated at the Chancery premises on 04th February 2017. The Flag hoisting ceremony held at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara echoed the multi religious, multi ethnic character of Sri Lanka and reflected this year’s theme of National Unity.

The National Anthem of Sri Lanka was sung in both Sinhala and Tamil. During the ceremony two minute silence in remembrance of those who sacrified their lives for the Nation was observed too. Sri Lankans residing and working in Turkey as well as Sri Lankan students studying in Turkey were present at the celebrations.

 In his remarks during the occasion, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Turkey H.E. Mr. P. M. Amza outlined the developments that has taken place in the country in strengthening democracy, rule of law, inter – ethnic and inter-religious harmony, pluralism and good governance particularly following the historic establishment of the Unity Government in 2015.

The Flag Hoisting Ceremony concluded with refreshments for the guests which included an array   of traditional Sri Lankan cuisines.

 

In addition to the Flag Hoisting Ceremony which will be held on 4th of February 2017 at the Chancery premises to celebrate the 69th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka, the Embassy hosted a reception in the evening of 6th  February 2017 for around 300 guests representing a cross-section of the Turkish society inclusive of members of the diplomatic, business communities and academia, bureaucrats, politicians and journalists.

His ExcellencyIsmet Yilmaz, Minister of National Education of Turkey was the chief guest at the  reception held at Swiss Hotel, Ankara. He along with Ambassador Amza, Deputy Minister of Environment and Urbanization Mehmet Ceylan, President of Turkey Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group Mustafa Serdengecti MP, Secretary Member of the Bureau of the Turkish Parliament Omer SerdarMP,Dr.MehmetGunal MP lit the traditional oil lamp commencing the event.

The reception was made spectacular by a Sri Lankan cultural performance which depicted beauty within diversity among different regions and communities in Sri Lanka.

Another main attraction of the reception was the Tea – corner organised by the staff of the embassy to promote “Ceylon Tea”.

A photographic exhibition representing the National symbols of Sri Lanka, history, landmarks and tourist attractions of Sri Lanka was also held at the foyer at the entrance to the venue.

The guests to the reception were treated with a sumptuous buffet which was a mix of Sri Lankan and Turkish traditional cuisine.