The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag and the rendition of the National Anthem, followed by multi-faith religious observances conducted by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian/Catholic, and Islamic clergy, reflecting Sri Lanka’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony and cultural pluralism. Participants observed a two-minute silence in honour of national heroes and all those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty. Messages from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath were read during the proceedings.

In her remarks, Ambassador Varuni Muthukumarana reflected on the significance of the 78th anniversary of independence, paying tribute to the vision and sacrifices of earlier generations. She underscored the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and the strength derived from the country’s diversity, highlighting collective national efforts toward rebuilding and recovery in the aftermath of the Ditwah cyclone.

The Ambassador also emphasized the continued deepening of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Germany, noting the importance of President Dissanayake’s official visit to Germany in 2025 as a milestone in strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

The commemorative event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem in Tamil, followed by the serving of traditional Sri Lankan refreshments, providing an opportunity for community members to celebrate their shared heritage while reaffirming unity, remembrance, and optimism for the country’s future.

• https://srilanka-botschaft.de/celebration-of-the-78th-national-independence-day-of-sri-lanka-in-germany/