(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Sri Lankan community in Qatar yesterday celebrated their country's 72nd Independence Day with zeal and fervour.
Many Sri Lankans braved the cold weather and turned up at the Embassy in the Old Airport area for a flag-hoisting ceremony. R Kohularangan, Charge d'Affaires at the Sri Lankan Mission in Qatar, hoisted the national flag as the national anthem was sung.
A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance and honour of freedom fighters. Also, religious observances were performed. Also a ceremonial cake was cut to mark the celebration.
The messages of Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, were read out.
Message of the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa read as: 'What we need at this hour is correct vision and unshakable leadership. I thank you for entrusting me with the task of overcoming the challenges our country faces and leading our Motherland towards peace and prosperity. This journey is being undertaken under the guidance of a proven leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa. His wisdom and experience will be a great source of strength to us, in this national endeavour. I strongly believe that I will be able to create the peaceful, prosperous and beautiful Sri Lanka that you aspire to.
The Independence Day message of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said: 'The challenge before us today is to restore to this country the economic progress that was lost due to bad politics. Today we mark the first Independence Day of a new decade with a new government in power.
'I can confidently state that due to the patriotic enthusiasm and the desire to build a new country that has galvanized the people and especially the youth, we are now on the cusp of a golden era once again. It is my belief and expectation that people belonging to all ethnic groups and religions living in this country will come together as one, to participate in the task of taking this country forward into an era of prosperity, it said.
MENAFN0502202000630000ID1099654418
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.