DOHA: Sri Lankans in Qatar celebrated their country’s 68th Independence Day with traditional zeal and fervour yesterday.
A large number of Sri Lankans turned up at their embassy in the Old Airport area for a flag-hoisting ceremony.
Ambassador Dr W M Karunadasa hoisted Sri Lanka’s national flag, as the national anthem was sung and a traditional oil lamp was lit.
Two minutes of silence was observed in remembrance and honour of freedom fighters of Sri Lanka.
A message of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena was read out.
It said: “In the present context, we have given priority to issues such as social, economic and political reforms in the country.
“As I have mentioned many times in the past, we had to face the resolution at the United Nations Human Rights Council as a result of the failure to take appropriate steps that we should have taken after May 2009, in the post-conflict era of the country.
“There are incorrect interpretations given about the resolution presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council. I clearly state that we are facing these resolutions in order to protect the pride and dignity of our country, our people and our security forces, and to make our force to be internationally renowned armed force.
“We should face these resolutions with patience, discipline and decorum so that our country could be respectfully recognised by all international organisations, including the UN and all states in the world.”
The messages of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera were also read out.
A colourful cultural and musical show — ‘Nidahas Udanaya 2016’ — will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel from 5pm onwards today.
The programme is organised by the Sri Lankan embassy in collaboration with Sri Lankan Coordinating Committee Qatar.
Sri Lanka’s Sparrows Dance Troupe, together with actress Sheril Romen Dekker, singers Ruwan Hettiarachchi and Vishadara Jagath Wickramasinghe, and other musicians are being flown into Doha for the celebration.
Adding more colour to the event students from the dance academy of Dinu Rangayathanaya will showcase their talents.
The Peninsula
