The Sri Lankan Embassy in Berlin marked the 68th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 4th February 2016 with an official ceremony at the Embassy premises followed by a reception in the evening at the Bürgersaal Zehlendorf Community/City Hall in Berlin.
The official ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Ambassador in the presence of the staff, which was then followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A two minute silence was observed to commemorate war heroes and others who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. Addressing the staff the Ambassador highlighted the importance of the event and the growing relations between Sri Lanka and Germany. The official ceremony ended with the singing of the National Anthem in Tamil.
Over 350 guests, including officers from the Federal Foreign Office, journalists and members of the Sri Lankan Community participated at the evening function. The traditional oil lamp was lighted by the Ambassador, the Hon. Mayor of Steglitz – Zehlendorf, and other special invitees representing all communities which was then followed by the singing of the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and Germany by the Sri Lankan children living in Berlin. Religious dignitaries representing Buddhists, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths blessed the Nation and the people of Sri Lanka. The Independence Day messages of H.E. the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were read respectively.
Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador emphasized the significant changes and developments taking place in Sri Lanka under the leadership of H.E. the President and his Government. He also encouraged the Sri Lankans residing in Germany to extend their fullest cooperation in uplifting the socio economic standards of the motherland and also the growing relations between Sri Lanka and Germany. Delivering their speeches at the event Hon. Mayor of Steglitz – Zehlendorf, Norbert Kopp and Dr. Norbert Riedel, Director General of the Asia Pacific Division of the Federal Foreign Ministry extended their best wishes to the Government and people of Sri Lanka and reiterated the commitment of the German Government for the wellbeing of the people of Sri Lanka.
A brief cultural programme was organized including a song by the Sri Lankan children living in Berlin. The celebration concluded with a special meal organized by the staff of the Embassy.
09th February 2016
Embassy of Sri Lanka, Berlin
