High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

Sri Lanka’s National Crafts Council, with the assistance of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi, arranged the participation of Sri Lankan craftspersons and artistes at the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2013 from 1st – 15th February at Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana. 

In keeping with tradition, High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam, joined by the staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission in India, offered alms (morning meal) to Buddhist priests representing the Sri Lankan Buddhist temples located in India on the morning of 4 February at the High Commissioner’s Residence, to mark the 65th Independence and National Day of Sri Lanka. The alms-giving was followed by a Ceremony involving Sri Lankan expatriates in New Delhi at which High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam unfurled the National Flag to the accompaniment of magul bera (ceremonial drums). The Ceremony included the reading of the 65th Independence Day Message of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Addressing the Sri Lankan community, High Commissioner Kariyawasam emphasised the important contribution that the Sri Lankan expatriate community can make to Sri Lanka’s socio-economic progress. Speaking about the special relationship shared by India and Sri Lanka that is based on civilisational links, the High Commissioner elaborated on the multifaceted nature of the relationship in the present context, which encompasses all areas of contemporary relevance. 

We Sri Lankans who have sacrificed immensely to ensure the sovereignty of the nation, celebrate this 65th National Independence Day with utmost pride. 

We have acted with a firm commitment to defeat local and foreign forces ranged against the country. Even when the leadership is faced with difficult and challenging situations we have a principled commitment not to betray the country. In doing so, we derive immense strength from the enormous cooperation we receive from the people.