(Asiantribune.com):
The 62nd
Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was commemorated at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Paris with special religious observances at the Embassy premises yesterday (4th February 2010).Clergy representing all the main religions in Sri Lanka participated in theceremony and invoked Blessings on His Excellency the President, the Cabinet of Ministers, armed forces, the Public Service, the country and people.
The National Messages of Sri Lanka’s President, Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out at the ceremony.
Sri Lanka President in his message recalled with gratitude the role played by patriots in the struggle for independence and also paid tribute to the heroic troops and their families for the sacrifices made in the battle against terrorism. Special mention was also made of the friendly nations from the East to the West, who understood and supported Sri Lanka ‘to achieve the objective of true freedom for our country and people’.
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka in his National Message opined that ‘the value of freedom is
deeply felt when it is lost, more than when it is enjoyed.’ He called on ‘all citizens of the country to unite to bring a brighter future to our motherland.’Marking the Anniversary of Independence, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama pointed out that ‘rising from the shackles of colonialism sixty two years ago and annihilating and almost three decade long grip of terrorism from our shores eight months ago,’ ensured the celebration of independence with a sense of oneness and pride. He also observed that ‘a new era of peace and hope has dawned for the country with a renewed mandate for the continued leadership of President Rajapaksa, that too with the beginning of a new decade.’
Addressing the gathering the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in France, Lionel Fernando noted that independence was being celebrated under one writ after a considerable period of time and this bade well for the future as the country was about to embark on a new era of development and reconciliation.
A special alms giving was also arranged at the Embassy.
