Sri Lanka's 76th Independence Day celebrated in Seychelles |16 February 2024

The flag hoisting ceremony (Photo: Contributed)

The 76th anniversary of Sri Lanka's National Independence was joyously celebrated in Seychelles recently with a flag-raising ceremony at the Anse Etoile community centre.

Organised by the Sri Lanka-Seychelles Friendship Association (SSFA) and the High Commission of Sri Lanka, the activity brought together the Sri Lankan community and well-wishers on the morning of February 4, 2024, at 9am.

The ceremony commenced with the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Seychelles, Srimal Wickremasinghe, hoisting the national flag. The air resonated with the heartfelt rendition of the national anthem by the children of the Sri Lankan community, as they stood alongside well-wishers to mark the occasion. A solemn two-minute silence followed, honouring the national heroes who dedicated and sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

President of SSFA, Suranga Fernando, in a warm welcome to the gathering, underscored the significance of Independence Day and emphasised the importance of cherishing our traditions, cultures, and legacy.

The National Day messages from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, delivered in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, were read out by High Commissioner Srimal Wickremasinghe, Yojani Upananda (secretary SSFA), and Roshan Ismail. The prime minister's and foreign minister's speeches in English were presented by Lalith Bandara and Rasika Basanayake.

The programme was further enriched by the delightful voices of Sri Lankans who charmed the audience by singing national patriotic songs. A captivating video presentation showcased Sri Lanka's journey to independence, highlighting its cultural diversity, landmarks, landscapes, and the citizens' responsibilities.

Expressing gratitude to the attendees, Mrs Upananda delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. She extended her thoughts to the 22 million citizens in Sri Lanka currently facing economic and social difficulties, expressing hopes for a swift recovery for the country.

As a fitting conclusion to the ceremony, traditional Sri Lankan food was served to all attendees, providing a taste of the rich culinary heritage. The event was a true representation of unity, as it brought together members of all religious communities in Sri Lanka – Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu.

The celebration not only marked Sri Lanka's journey to independence but also showcased the strong bond between Sri Lanka and Seychelles, fostering friendship and cultural exchange. The organisers and attendees alike expressed their pride in commemorating this significant day, reaffirming the enduring ties between the two nations.

Contributed