The Sri Lanka High Commission in London Commemorates 76th Independence Day with Diverse Religious Ceremonies and Celebrations
The Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom celebrated the 76th Independence Day with a series of events spanning several days, embracing the nation’s rich cultural and religious diversity.
The commemoration began with religious ceremonies, starting with the Independence Day Celebrations on February 2nd, organized by the Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre in association with the Council of Sri Lankan Muslim Organizations (COSMOS) UK. This was followed by Hindu and Buddhist religious ceremonies on February 3rd. On February 9th, an Evensong Church Service will take place at Westminster Abbey.
The traditional Independence Day Commemoration took place on February 4th at the High Commission premises, bringing together clergy across the faiths, all sections of the Sri Lankan community, friends, and well-wishers. The programme of the day included reading of the National Day messages of HE the President, Hon Prime Minister and Hon Foreign Minister, the observing of two minutes silence in honour of all those who sacrificed their lives in defense of the motherland, religious observances by clergy of all four faiths, and the singing of the national anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil. Around 200 members of the Sri Lankan community attended the event. In addressing the gathering, HE Rohitha Bogollagama, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the United Kingdom expressed profound pride in the remarkable success and flourishing well-being of the Sri Lankan diaspora in the United Kingdom.
On February 5th, the High Commission hosted a reception commemorating the 76th Independence Day at The Landmark Hotel. The Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle was the Chief Guest at the Reception. The event was graced by esteemed guests, and friends of Sri Lanka including members of the diplomatic corps, peers and Members of the Parliament, prominent business personalities and Sri Lankan community members.
HE Rohitha Bogollagama conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the enthusiastic participation and unwavering support received from all segments of society in commemorating this momentous milestone in Sri Lanka’s history. He underscored the substantial presence of the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK and highlighted their significant contributions to various sectors including education, business, and healthcare. He also emphasized Britain’s role as a remarkable host for the thriving Sri Lankan diaspora community.
The Sri Lanka High Commission remains committed to fostering cultural understanding, unity, and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
Sri Lanka High Commission
London
07 February 2024
Buddhist Religious Ceremony to Commemorate the 76th Anniversary of Independence at the London Buddhist Vihara, London on the 3 February 2023
Hindu Religious Ceremony to Commemorate the 76th Anniversary of Independence at the Highgate Hill Murugan Temple, London on the 3 February 2023
Islamic Religious Ceremony to Commemorate the 76th Anniversary of Independence at the Sri Lanka Muslim Cultural Centre, London on the 2 February 2023
The Sri Lanka High Commission hosts the traditional Independence Day Commemoration Ceremony on February 4, 2024 at the Sri Lanka High Commission, London
The Sri Lanka High Commission hosted a reception to commemorate Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence at The Landmark Hotel on 5 February 2024. Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle Speaker of the UK Parliament, and other guests including the diplomatic corps, political leaders and business personalities graced the occasion.
