"SRI LANKA EMBASSY IN ISRAEL CELEBRATED THE 69^TH NATIONAL DAY OF SRI LANKA"

The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Israel celebrated the 69^th National Day of Sri Lanka on 04^th February 2017 at the Embassy premises with the participation of community members, staff and their families and the Israeli friends.

The official ceremonial proceedings started with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Periyasamy Pillai Selvaraj amidst the Magul Bera. This was followed by the recital of the National Anthem, both in Sinhala and Tamil. The traditional oil lamp was lit by community members, staff and the guests followed by the observance of two minutes silence in remembrance of all who have sacrificed their lives for the independence of the nation.

Venerable Pannanando Thero conducted the Buddhist religious observances and blessings. Mr. Gunavatar Das and his team conducted the Hindu blessings followed by Christian prayers by Reverent Sister Dinesha Menerapitiya.

The national day messages of H E the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out by the members of the staff in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Selvaraj welcomed those who joined the celebrations and extended his best wishes to all. The Ambassador underscored that Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural country where people have lived peacefully for years and years. As Sri Lanka is celebrating the 69 years of its independence, he said the audience that irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences, it is the duty of each and every citizen of Sri Lanka to devote their dedication, devotion, knowledge, skills and wisdom to build a prosperous nation, for the betterment of the future generation of the Motherland.

He further highlighted the current political and economic situation of Sri Lanka under the national unity government.

In connection with the Sri Lanka- Israel relations, he recollected the recently signed two agreements on the Joint Pilot Programme for the Recruitment and placement up to 50 caregivers from Sri Lanka and for the Recruitment of 500 Seasonal Agricultural Workers. He also thanked Israel to provide the opportunity for the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for these specific fields. He went on to say that the relations between Sri Lanka and Israel are cordial and friendly. He was optimistic of the future cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.

At the conclusion of the National Day ceremony, Embassy organized refreshment for all the participants with Sri Lankan traditional breakfast including milk rice and sweetmeat and also Kewum and Kokkis .