Sri Lankan community marks Independence anniversary |08 February 2016
The local Sri Lankan community gathered at the Pam’s Residency at Pointe Conan on Saturday afternoon to celebrate their country’s 68th independence anniversary.
Sri Lanka, then named Dominion of Ceylon, obtained its independence from Great Britain on February 4, 1948. It was in 1972 that the country changed its name to Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan offered a toast on behalf of President James Michel to the good health of the president of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, to the prosperity of its people and to the strengthening of partnership between the two countries.
Mr Morgan also joined other guests and high profile Sri Lankans working in Seychelles for the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony which started the afternoon’s activities.
The programme also included a short cultural show portraying typical music and dances of the Indian Ocean island.
The minister responsible for Foreign Affairs stressed that it is important for the two countries which share much in common – especially the Indian Ocean -- to remain partners.
In the case of Seychelles, he ensured and that it will always consider Sri Lanka as a friend, reminding the areas of mutual cooperation such as education, health, tourism and others.
With Mihin Lanka now flying to Seychelles, Mr Morgan noted that the two countries are now directly connected and that the air link has improved trade and cultural tourism, as Sri Lanka has become a destination of choice for Seychellois seeking medical care which is not available here.
Minister Morgan announced that Seychelles will work with Sri Lanka in order to bring the medical expertise over here.
He added that both countries have to stand strong to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to limit the effects of climate change.
Sri Lankan high commissioner Tikin Gunathilake on his side reminded that his country’s independence was obtained after a long struggle.
He added that independence was even more significant as it was achieved with the contribution of all Sri Lankan communities from all ethnic origins.
On his country’s current cooperation with Seychelles, he noted the presence of Sri Lankan businesses in Victoria, such as Mihin Lanka and Bank of Ceylon.
Mr Gunathilake emphasised that the services of Sri Lankan workers in Seychelles are very well appreciated.
He was thankful to people of Sri Lankan origin, like Norman Weber and Roy Fonseka, who he says kept the Sri Lankan flag high in Seychelles before the establishment of a high commission.
