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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