The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kathmandu celebrated the 69th National Day of Sri Lanka on 4th February 2017. The morning celebrations was held at the Embassy premises with the lighting of the traditional Oil Lamp followed by hoisting of the National Flag by Her Excellency W.S. Perera, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal with the participation of Sri Lankan community in Nepal.
The Religious observances were conducted by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic faiths as part of the ceremony. Clergy offered prayers, invoked blessings for Sri Lanka and her citizens all over the world and prayed for the peace.
The National Day messages of His Excellency, the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Foreign Minister were also read. An alms giving for the Buddhist monks was organized at the Official Residence. After the function traditional refreshments such as Kiribath, Kevum, Kokis were served to the gathering
Nepal and Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations in 1957 and this year both countries commemorate 60th Anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic relations. Sri Lanka and Nepal have always enjoyed a very close and warm relationship. With the opening of Resident Missions in Nepal and Colombo in 1993 and 1995 respectively, the relationship between the two countries has expanded to many areas of cooperation. The high level visits undertaken since 1957 by the leaders of the two countries have significantly contributed to the promotion of the links. Interaction between the two countries at bilateral and regional level under the umbrella of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has further enhanced the relations. The SAARC has brought Nepal and Sri Lanka closer together to work with other member countries for a common objective which is the wellbeing of the people in the region.
(Prior to the year 1972, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon. For more than a century Sri Lanka was under British rule. On 4th February, 1948 the country got its Independence).
PRESS RELEASE
