The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris celebrated the 71st anniversary of the national independence of Sri Lanka at two events held on 4 February 2019 and 10 February 2019. The celebration on 4 February 2019, commenced with the singing of the national anthem and the observance of the two minute silence in remembrance of all Sri Lankans who laid down their lives for the nation. Thereafter, religious dignitaries representing all four major religions in Sri Lanka – Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity – blessed the country, the leaders and the people.
Buddhist blessings were carried out by Ven. Parawahera Chandaratana Thero, Chief Incumbent of the International Buddhist Centre, Ven. Kongasdeniye Ananda Thero of Paris Bauddha Vihara and Dhammachakka Buddhist Association and Ven. Murungasyaye Gnaniswara Thero of the Jethawana Bauddha Vihara. Swamy Somaskandan Kurukkal of Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam carried out Hindu blessings and Islam blessings were invoked by Mr. Mohomad Nawas. This was followed by Christian blessings conducted by Rev. Father Pradeep Thamel and Rev. Father Pradeep Manawadu. The messages of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana were read by the Members of the staff and the celebration concluded with an almsgiving offered to the ‘Maha sangha’.
On the 10th of February 2019, a cultural event was organized for the Sri Lankan community living in France under the guidance of Ambassador, Buddhi K. Athauda. A large gathering of guests representing all ethnic groups participated in the celebration. The event commenced with the lighting of the oil lamp by, Chargé d' Affaires a. i., Ruvini Munidasa and by a group of children representing all ethnicities.
The Chargé d' Affaires read the Ambassador’s speech during his absence which emphasized on how the great Sri Lankan national heroes belonging to all four main ethnicities, struggled valiantly to win freedom from Colonial rule, In his message, Ambassador Athauda stressed that the benefits of true independence could only be enjoyed when there is economic prosperity where all Sri Lankans can experience a high quality of life. He therefore called out for all fellow citizens to be united as Sri Lankans and urged them to become the driving force in making Sri Lanka one of the prominent countries in the world. He also underlined the initiatives taken to strengthen the political and economic dialogue between France and Sri Lanka.
The cultural performances, which entertained the invitees for around four hours, included various forms of traditional dances and Sri Lankan classical and contemporary music and songs belonging to all ethnicities as well as the performances by the Sri Lanka Air Force thanks to the generous support of Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy. The vibrant performances added colour to the event and depicted the essence of Sri Lankan culture. Under the aegis of the Ambassador, a Food Court comprising of food stalls set up by Sri Lankan caterers offering Sri Lankan cuisine representing all traditions for reasonable prices, gave the opportunity for the guests to savour authentic Sri Lankan treats at the venue.
