Ambassador of Sri Lanka H E Roshan Sithara Khan Azard speaking during the Sri Lankan National Day celebrations. PicS: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha marked the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on the embassy premises, yesterday.
The celebrations started with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador of Sri Lanka H E Sithara Khan Azard, as the national anthem way performed by students.
Two minutes of silence was observed in remembrance of all patriots who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle to protect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of their motherland.
Sri Lanka’s independence is celebrated annually on February 4 to commemorate the country’s political independence from the British rule in 1948. The 78th Independence Day celebrations are held under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka.”
Ambassador of Sri Lanka H E Roshan Sithara Khan Azard hoisting the national flag at the Sri Lankan embassy.
Addressing the gathering of community members in Doha Ambassador Azard said, “Today, as Sri Lankans living overseas, this day carries an even deeper meaning. It reminds us who we are, where we come from and the values that bind us together such as resilience, unity, compassion and pride in our national identity.”
“You, the Sri Lankan community in Qatar, are an integral part of our nation’s story. Through your hard work, discipline and dedication, you contribute meaningfully to the development of Qatar while continuing to support Sri Lanka through remittances, skills and knowledge,” she added.
She acknowledged the sacrifices of Sri Lankans living and working overseas, describing the community as a pillar of the national economy whose efforts and resilience continue to support the country’s recovery. Citing the Independence Day message of Sri Lankan President H E Anura Kumara Disanayake, Ambassador Azard noted that Sri Lanka’s priority is to ensure that recent macro-economic gains “flow to communities of all ethnicities across all provinces,” adding that the contribution of overseas Sri Lankans is vital to achieving this goal.
The ambassador said the 78th Independence Day was being marked at a time of gradual recovery and renewed optimism, as the country continues rebuilding efforts following last year’s Cyclone Ditwah.
She also expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Qatar for providing employment opportunities, safety and dignity to Sri Lankans in the country, reaffirming the strong bilateral ties and the respect extended to the Sri Lankan community.
