South Korea

Sri Lanka’s embassy in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in collaboration with Gimpo City Office and the Sri Lankan community celebrated the 69th anniversary of independence and the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries at a community event held at the Civic Center in Gimpo City on Sunday February 5.

The celebration, towards which particular support was extended by the Sri Lankan community representatives and the Sri Lanka Students Association, was attended by Korean dignitaries and more than 400 Sri Lankans living and working in different regions in Korea.

The Chief Guest was Gimpo City Mayor Yoo Young-Rok.

Ambassador Manisha Gunasekera extended the Sri Lankan Government’s special appreciation to the workers for their significant contribution towards the economies of Sri Lanka and Korea. She also noted that there was a 32 percent increase in Sri Lankan workers in Korea in 2016 as compared to the 2015 figures, and reiterated the commitment of the Sri Lankan Government to look after every aspect of the welfare of Sri Lankan workers in Korea.

Delivering Congratulatory Remarks on the occasion, the Mayor of Gimpo City strongly welcomed this celebration being organised in Gimpo City which is home to more than 800 Sri Lankan migrant workers. The Mayor greatly appreciated the contribution of Sri Lankan workers to the economy of Gimpo city as well as that of Korea.

The Ambassador presented special plaques of appreciation to the Mayor of Gimpo City and other Guests of Honour, as well as employers/CEOs of 10 Korean employers, in consideration of their strong support to enhancing Sri Lanka – Korea labour relations. Ten Korean employers were presented with plaques of appreciation on the occasion as a result of the programme launched by the Embassy in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

The celebrations also included a buffet meal of Sri Lankan food and sweet meats, cultural programmes featuring Sri Lankan and Korean traditional dance and music.