Sri Lanka celebrates 68 years of Independence

On the picture Second Secretary Ms. Wathsala Indunil Amarasinghe and H.E. Ambassador Adam M.J. Sadiq  together with H.E. Moazzam Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan and spouse H.E. Ambassador Leena Salim Moazzam.

By Roy Lie A Tjam.

One country – a colossal force; this is the theme for Sri Lanka’s 2016 independence celebrations.

After being occupied by the Portuguese in the 16^th century, followed by the Dutch and British, Sri Lanka (or Ceylon as it was referred in those days) declared independence on 4 February 1948. Today, Sri Lanka is a Democratic Socialist Republic.

On Monday 8 February 2016, despite the gale-force winds and downpour, many made their way to Lak Medura, the official residence of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands. A slew of dignitaries attended, including the President of the Senate, many Ambassadors and officials from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others.

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In Sri Lanka, it is customary that celebrations such as weddings, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and other important events are ceremonially inaugurated by the lighting of a traditional oil lamp. The special significance of the ceremony is to demonstrate the triumph of good over evil, and the symbol of light overcoming darkness.

“It is a historic triumph for all of us to be able to celebrate the 68^th Independence Day as a nation that prizes the values of democracy, bringing all its citizens together in a spirit of unity and strength.”

“And now, the task before us is to ensure that the hard won freedom retains its meaning and significance; it is a task that calls for all of us to be united, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political affiliations. This indeed is the vision of the Government.”

“In the eyes of the world, Sri Lanka has been restored to its position as a country that abides by the revered principles of democracy. Yet, before us is a formidable task of ensuring lasting peace and co-existence for all citizens while building on the concept of social economic development for the country.”