The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar celebrates the 77th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s
Independence
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar celebrated the 77th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence
at the premises of the Embassy in Doha on 4 February 2025.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Ambassador, Sithara
Khan and the singing of the National Anthem by the students of the Stafford Sri Lankan School
Doha followed by a two-minute silence in remembrance of all the national heroes who had
sacrificed their lives for Sri Lanka. The traditional oil lamp was then lit by the Ambassador
accompanied by four students representing the four major ethnicities in Sri Lanka.
Religious observances representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths were
conducted by religious dignitaries to invoke blessings to the country and the people of Sri Lanka.
The Independence Day Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were also read out at the ceremony by members of
the Staff of the Mission.
Ambassador Sithara Khan, in her address to the gathering, appreciated the contribution made by
the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Qatar to Sri Lanka’s economy and the pride they bring
to the country through their hard work, dedication and professionalism. Quoting the
Independence Day message of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayake to
“…build a modern, developed Sri Lankan nation, guided by social, environmental and ethical
principles,” Ambassador Khan stated that while Sri Lanka was striving to rejuvenate its
economy, strengthen democratic institutions and harness the potential of its rich human and
natural resources towards a national renaissance, the contributions of the Sri Lankan diaspora,
including those in Qatar, would be instrumental in this journey.
The participants at the ceremony were served with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast on the
occasion. Thereafter, the Ambassador and the staff also attended Independence Day events organized by
the Sri Lankan community in Doha.