The grand Reception held at the High Commission in New Delhi to celebrate this year’s Independence and the National Day was attended by a cross section of distinguished personalities in New Delhi and the diplomatic community.  Union Cabinet Minister of Human Resource Development of India, Kapil Sibal represented the Government of India as the Chief Guest.  The event included a Cultural Show presented by Sri Lanka Navy Cultural Troupe and was embellished with authentic specialty Sri Lanka cuisine prepared by the two prominent chefs from Sri Lanka.
 
The celebrations of the Independence and National Day commenced in the morning of 4th February with the offerings of alms to the Buddhist clergy in India by the staff of the High Commission at the Residence of the High  Commissioner followed by the flag hoisting ceremony with the participation of the Sri Lankans living in New Delhi.  A multi religious ceremony with the participation of the clergy of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Islamic faiths commemorated the day and the National Day Messages of the President, Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were read.  High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam speaking on the occasion described the recent successful Presidential election as “ a yet another manifestation of the deep rooted democratic traditions in Sri Lanka” and said that “  It was a profound expression of the will of the people to march along with an enlightened political leadership for greater progress and prosperity.  Having defeated terrorism which disturbed the country for nearly three decades, His Excellency President Rajapaksa has announced a vision for the future to make Sri Lanka a “wonder of Asia” and an inclusive and free society.”  High Commissioner Kariyawasam, called upon those present to help strengthen bilateral cooperation with India and to march forward together towards greater prosperity in the region and to make Sri Lanka truly the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”
 
 
Sri Lanka High Comission
New Delhi
5 February 2010