MELBOURNE, 4 February 2023: The Consulate General of Sri Lanka here, along with the Sri Lankan Community here celebrated Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Anniversary.
Hon. Lee Tarlamis, representing the Premier of Victoria, Hon. Brad Battin, representing the Leader of Opposition and Ms. Cassandra Fernando, MP, delivered the speeches gracing the occasions. Prof. David De Kretser, Former Governor of Victoria, former and present members of Victorian Parliament, Commissioner of Victorian Multicultural Commission, Consular Corps, Municipal Councillors, many other distinguished guests and more than two hundred Sri Lankan community members graced the occasions.
After the multi-religious observances to invoke blessings to the country and two minutes of silence to commemorate the national heroes, the traditional oil lamp was lit by the dignitaries while Jayamangala Gatha were chanted by the Sri Lankan school children. The official statement of the H.E the President Ranil Wickremasinghe was read out to the gathering and vibrant Sri Lankan dances and drumming by Sri Lankan dance troupes in Victoria added colour to the evening.
During the event, the Consulate highlighted the Sri Lanka’s progress in trade, investment and tourism, emphasizing the opportunities available in these areas for interested parties in the Sri Lankan and Australian business communities in Victoria, and invited both communities to engage with the Consulate in developing these sectors to promote Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
The event also recognized high achieving Sri Lankan students who had obtained high marks in the Victoria Certificate of Education exams in academic excellence, Sinhala language and Tamil language. Thirteen students were presented awards and certificates by the various dignitaries who attended the event
Efforts were also made to ensure that the event was carbon-neutral. The carbon emissions of the preparations for the event and the event itself, were calculated, taking into account such categories as travel, food, waste, consumables, and arrangements have been made to reforest an acre of Bundala National Park to offset those emissions.
The event which brought accolades from the participation for upholding the pride of the motherland was a collective effort of the Consulate General, the Sri Lankan community members and Associations.
