Seventy five years of India’s Independence was celebrated with great fervour in different parts of Sri Lanka yesterday. The celebrations this year are a part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative, a global campaign to commemorate 75 years of a progressive and self-reliant India through numerous activities and events.
The main event in Colombo was held at ‘India House’, the official residence of the High Commissioner of India. High Commissioner Gopal Baglay hoisted India’s national flag and inspected the Guard of Honour. He also read excerpts of the President of India’s message on the occasion.
Several cultural events added flavour to the milestone celebrations. The Sri Lanka Navy Band played melodious tunes, symbolic of valour and patriotism. Students of Guru Sadara Supathum performed a dance to the music of ‘Bharat ko Salaam’. There was another ‘Garba’ dance performance in honour of Goddess Durga, who epitomizes strength, protection and motherhood. The event was telecast live and was attended virtually by friends of India and members of the Indian community in Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner and officers of High Commission of India also paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial to the memory of the Indian soldiers of IPKF who made the supreme sacrifice defending peace and unity of Sri Lanka.
Special events were organised by the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, Consulate General in Jaffna and Consulate General in Hambantota to mark the momentous occasion. It needs emphasis that the celebrations in Jaffna were held at the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, a state of the art and one of its kind facility in the city which was built with grant assistance by Government of India.
A highlight of this year’s celebration was the enthusiastic participation of members of the Indian community in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign wherein they showcased their love and respect for the Indian Tri-Coloured Flag in various innovative ways.
