Sri Lankans in Paris commemorate 63rd Independence anniversary
February 10, 2011 11:09 pm
On the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence, a reception organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris was hosted by Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and Madame Sanja Jayatilleka for the Sri Lankan community in France.
Many Sri Lankan personalities from a diverse array of spheres who are resident in France as well as those who were visiting the country, including acclaimed film director Dr. Dharmasena Pathiraja, attended the reception.
Addressing the multiethnic, multilingual gathering in Sinhala and English, with translation into Tamil, Ambassador Jayatilleka said that while Sri Lanka is proud at having emerged victoriously from thirty years of conflict it would only be able to enjoy the liberties such victory and peace bring if we as a nation realize the reasons behind the conflict and act wisely to address such issues through dialogue and on the basis of justice, equality and democracy for all.
He added that the search for sustainable peace and prosperity cannot be conducted in isolation from the world. Sri Lankans overseas have a unique opportunity to work towards the strengthening and consolidation of links between the host countries and Sri Lanka and called on Sri Lankans in Paris and across France to act together as a bridge to achieve such a goal.
Ambassador Jayatilleka also noted the destruction caused by the recent flooding in Sri Lanka and called on the Sri Lankan community to support efforts underway to provide relief to those affected and rendered homeless.
Speaking on the occasion, Head of Chancery, Ms. W.S. Perera highlighted the reconstruction work being carried out on the railway system in the north of Sri Lanka and requested the Sri Lankans to support the initiative which would improve connectivity in the country and among its people, states the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris.