Sri Lankan Community in Seychelles Marks 77th Independence Anniversary
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Members of the Sri Lankan community in Seychelles hosted a flag-raising ceremony at the Harbour Light Restaurant at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) yesterday to mark their country’s 77th Independence Day anniversary. The flag-raising was done by Attaché High Commission Lalith Bandara and Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka.
Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day on February 24 to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. The day also serves as a reminder of the struggle for freedom and the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters. Reading a message from the President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Mr Bandara highlighted the call that President Dissanayake made on the journey towards a new kind of freedom, built through collective efforts across all regions.
President of the Court of Appeal, Anthony Fernando, said even though he has lived in Seychelles for the past 35 years, he was born and studied in Sri Lanka. ‘My roots are there, so it is a very memorable moment to be here. Despite the fact that I love Seychelles, I am also part of Sri Lanka,’ he said. He added that the relationship between Sri Lanka and Seychelles is very great, and that Sri Lankans are being respected and honoured not only in the legal sector but in the medical and education sectors. The ceremony featured cultural performances including songs and dance, and the lighting of the oil lamp that represents unity and prosperity.
