The Embassy of Sri Lanka celebrated the 75 Independence Day of Sri Lanka
On 04th of February 2023, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi, Viet Nam celebrated the 75 Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the Embassy premises, in a warm and solemn manner. Ambassador Prof. A. Saj U Mendis hoisted the national flag. The national anthem was sung and one minute of silence was observed to pay respect to the war heroes and those who have sacrificed their lives to protect the freedom, unity and sovereignty of the nation.
The leaders of the Viet Nam government extended their warm greetings and best wishes to their Sri Lankan counterparts on the occasion of the 75 Independence Day. Vietnamese dignitaries such as President of Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations (HAUFO), Former Ambassadors of Viet Nam, Director of International Office of Foreign Trade University of Viet Nam, Deputy Head of Ha Noi University for Science and Technology, representatives from VINEXAD, Vietjet airlines and other Vietnamese dignitaries from institutions and ministries also participated in the event. On the Sri Lankan side, prestigious Sri Lankan enterprises including but not limited to Linea Aqua Ltd. Company of MAS Holdings, Finest Fashion, Spices Restaurant and a large number of Sri Lankan dignitaries graced the occasion.
After the Independence Day formalities, Prof. Mendis addressed the large gathering of invitees and guests present of the culture, history, economy, trade, investment, tourism, human resources and natural endownments, amongst others, thus ennunciating the enormous potential and commercial opportunites of Sri Lanka and the peoples of Sri Lanka. During the 30 minutes address, Prof. Mendis made a number of comparisons of the manner in which many other countries have evolved to be advanced economies in the world. He stated that the efficacious courses of action the countries in the region of Viet Nam and in other regions of the world had implemented and executed in order to become advanced developed and dynamic economies. He further made comparison of similarities of Viet Nam and Sri Lanka since today Viet Nam is one of the fastest growing economies in the world recording a GDP growth of over 8%. Prof. Mendis chronicled the key events and developments of Sri Lanka since earning Independence in 1948. He further accentuated the primary economic pivots of the Government of Sri Lanka as well as the economy of Sri Lanka in order for Sri Lanka to become a rapidly developing and economically vibrant nation before the end of this decade. He concluded his address by expressing gratitude to the Government and the peoples of Viet Nam for the assistance and cooperation extended to Sri Lanka as well as highlighted the most congenial and affable bilateral relations the two countries have been maintaining even before the establishment of the diplomatic relations.
A newspaper supplement titled “Viet Nam – Sri Lanka relations are strong and dynamic” was compiled by Minister Counsellor Mr. Mahesh Premathilake was also published in the English daily “Viet Nam News” to commemorate the event.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ha Noi
4 February 2023
