COMMEMORATION OF 57TH NATIONAL DAY OF SRI LANKA 2005

Sri Lanka’s 57th National Day was commemorated at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC on 4th February 2005. Commemoration of 57th National Day was focused on religious observances in memory of the victims of the recent Tsunami disaster and invoke blessings for the survivors of the rebuilding.

The National Day celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States H.E Devinda R. Subasinghe at the Chancery premises and singing of the National Anthem.

A two minutes of silence was observed in remembrance of the victims of the Tsunami tragedy.

The traditional oil lamp was lit by the Ambassador Devinda R.Subasinghe and the five religious dignitaries namely Ven. Katugastota Uparathane of International Buddhist Centre, Wheaton , Ven. Eluvapola Gnanarathane of Washington Buddhist Vihara Society Inc, Mrs. A. Renganathan, Dr. Greg Fernandopulle and Mr. Naseer Azeez representing the four main religions and Mr. Sudath Gunasekara, President of Ranga Kala Kavaya.

Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian religious rites were performed to invoke blessings on the country and its people. Religious prayers were conducted on behalf of the people who lost their lives in the recent Tsunami tragedy. The Ven. Katugastota Uparathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of the International Buddhist Centre, Wheaton conducted the “Anusasana”. Mrs. A. Renganathan, Dr. Greg Fernandopulle and Mr. Naseer Azeez conducted the Hindu, Christian and Islamic Religious observances respectively.

Thereafter the Ambassador addressed the gathering which included the families of the Embassy staff and representatives of Sri Lanka community organizations, Mr. Nihal Goonewardene , President of the Sri Lanka Association of Washington DC and Mr. Sudath Gunasekera, President of the Ranga Kala Kavaya.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA

07 February 2005

 

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