Prayers and patriotism on 73rd Sri Lankan Independence Day

Dubai - At the Sri Lanka House in Abu Dhabi, Dhamika Malraj de Silva, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UAE, hoisted the national flag and led the community in singing the national anthem.

This year’s Sri Lankan Independence Day celebrations in the UAE may have been different because of Covid-19. But in the hearts of expats, it remained a special day, one filled with prayers and national pride.

At the Sri Lanka House in Abu Dhabi, Dhamika Malraj de Silva, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UAE, hoisted the national flag and led the community in singing the national anthem.

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the fallen heroes. Religious verses of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity filled the air as the mission conducted multi-faith observances. Messages of the Sri Lankan leaders were read out, and all addresses were made in Sinhala and Tamil and in English, too.

“These are difficult times and amid your busy schedule, you are able to spend a few minutes with us. This is very important as a Sri Lankan,” De Silva said before cutting a big cake.

In Dubai, although celebrations were low-key — with the mission organising a small function attended only by the consulate staff — hundreds of excited Sri Lankan expatriates joined in virtually.

Nalinda Wijerathna, Consul-General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates, hoisted the national flag, which was followed by the singing of the national anthem.