The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah along with the Sri Lankan community in Jeddah celebrated the 77th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence on 4th February 2025 at the Consulate premises under the theme “Towards a National Renaissance”.
The ceremony began with the hoisting of the National Flag by Acting Consul General Mafusa Lafir, followed by a performance of Sri Lanka’s national anthem by the choir of the Sri Lankan International School in Jeddah.
A two-minute silence was observed as a moment of reflection to honor the national heroes who fought for Sri Lanka’s freedom and independence. Community representatives from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Islamic communities offered prayers for the country and people of Sri Lanka.
Addressing the gathering, Acting Consul General Mafusa Lafir noted that the country is at the threshold of a new chapter in the history of Sri Lanka with the formation of a strong government that enjoys the trust of the people from all corners of Sri Lanka. She further explained that the journey towards national renaissance has been undertaken through a three –pronged approached launched by the Government, which includes eradicating rural poverty, implementing the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, and building a digital economy. Acting Consul General Lafir encouraged the Sri Lankan community to support these initiatives by leveraging the knowledge, networks, and connections they have built over the years in Saudi Arabia.
She also expressed her appreciation for the contributions made by Sri Lankans in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia to both their homeland and the host country, Saudi Arabia as well as to the Sri Lankan community in this region. She also reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to improving service delivery to Sri Lankans and advocating for solutions to challenges faced by the community in collaboration with Saudi and Sri Lankan authorities.
First Secretary Anusha Chadrasekara read the National Day Message of the President of Sri Lanka, while Third Secretary A.H.M. Shibly and First Secretary Viraj Kumara delivered the messages issued by Hon. Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism respectively. A special introduction to the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative was delivered by Third Secretary Prashan Gamage, raising awareness about the initiative’s objectives and inviting collaboration from the community.
During the event Ms F.Nihma Nihimathulla of the Sri Lankan International School in Jeddah was felicitated for securing the third place in the Essay Competition conducted by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the celebration of 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the National Anthem in Tamil language. Guests were served with traditional milk rice and a variety of traditional Sri Lankan delicacies.
Mr. Rukshan Gunadasa and Dr. N.M. Ashraff served as the masters of ceremony for the event, with Mr. Gunadasa officiating in Sinhala and Dr. Ashraff in Tamil.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
06 February 2025
Photo credit: Mr Indika Rajapaksha
