The 76th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence was joyously commemorated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through a series of events hosted by the Sri Lankan embassy. The Flag Hoisting Ceremony, held this morning, marked the beginning of the celebrations, with Ambassador Amza leading the proceedings.
Ambassador Amza proudly hoisted the National Flag, accompanied by the melodious rendition of the national anthem in Sinhala by students from the Sri Lanka International School Riyadh (SLISR). The event carried a harmonious spirit as religious dignitaries representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity bestowed their blessings.
National Day messages from HE the President, Hon Prime Minister, and Hon Foreign Minister were read, emphasizing the significance of the day and acknowledging the challenges faced by Sri Lanka in the post-independent era. Ambassador Amza, in his address, touched upon Sri Lanka’s economic recovery path and highlighted the positive developments in bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and KSA.
The ceremony concluded on a cultural note with the students of SLISR presenting the national anthem in Tamil. Attendees were treated to a delightful spread of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared heritage.
The event attracted a diverse crowd, with a cross-section of Sri Lankans residing in the Kingdom actively participating in the celebrations. The commemoration of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day in KSA served not only as a moment of national pride but also as a unifying occasion for the Sri Lankan community in the Kingdom.