Sri Lanka's 77th Anniversary of Independence celebrated in South Korea

 

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Korea, together with the Sri Lankan community, celebrated the 77th anniversary of independence of Sri Lanka on 4^th February 2025 in Seoul.

 

This historic occasion commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea, Savitri Panabokke, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.  Thereafter, two minutes of silence was observed in memory of all those who scarified their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the motherland.

 

To mark this significant event, the traditional oil lamp was lit by the Ambassador, Mr.Seo, Min-Jai, Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in the South Gyeongsan Province, Mr. John Park, CEO, Pacific Air Agency Group-GSA of Sri Lankan Airlines, representatives of Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, National Savings Bank, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank and Sri Lankans representing the business community, professionals, migrant workers and students residing in the Republic of Korea.

 

Multi religious observances to shower blessings upon Sri Lanka and her people were conducted by the Venerable Maha Sangha and religious dignitaries of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths.

 

The National Day Message of the H. E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka was read by Ms. Ms.Gayani Abeykoon, Attaché of the Embassy. The National Day Messages of Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister and Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka were read by Ms. Sundareswaran Suganya, Accounts Officer and Ms.Sachini Dias, First Secretary of the Embassy, respectively.

 

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Korea highlighted the importance of this momentous occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's Independence. She recalled the vital role played by the expatriate Sri Lankans for the socio-economic development of our motherland. She thanked the Sri Lankan community in South Korea who continuously supported their motherland, including strengthening the country's economy through remittances.

 

Highlighting the theme of the 77th Independence Day 'Towards a National Renaissance', the Ambassador briefed the gathering on ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative of H E the President which aims to address a cleaner physical environment and a nationwide moral commitment to enhance ethical principles. She further explained the importance of stakeholder responsibility by all citizens in this initiative and requested the collaboration and support of Sri Lankans in the Republic of Korea to take responsibilities of projects and tasks under ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, as development partners of the motherland.

 

As a part of the event, the Embassy organized a felicitation for 7 religious institutions in the Republic of Korea in recognition of their remarkable service and continuous assistance to the Sri Lankan community in the Republic of Korea. The representatives of each institution, who participated at the event, on the invitation of the Embassy, were awarded with appreciation plaques. 

 

The celebration concluded with singing of the National Anthem in Tamil language and refreshments to the Sri Lankans participated at the event.

 

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Seoul

04.02.2025