120 Lankan children in Freedom Day cultural programme in Washington D.C.

The 72nd Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence was celebrated at a special event organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC on February 8 at the Theatre of the Arts of the University of the District of Columbia.

Speaking on the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Thomas Vajda, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asia of the Department of State, said this celebration, with the inclusion of religious observances from the Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian faiths, as well as reading the Independence Day messages in three languages, is a powerful reminder of the diversity and vibrancy of Sri Lankan society.

Mr. Vajda expressed that the Government of the United States stands ready to work with the new

Government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to advance cooperation on bilateral and regional issues.

Ambassador Rodney Perera in his speech underlined President Rajapaksa’s statement that Sri Lanka is a country with an ancient history, and a society nurtured by Buddhist teachings and the teachings of other faiths, and that all efforts must be made to safeguard our culture and our values.

A cultural programme ensued which featured several traditional dancing and drumming items performed by the children of the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Washington D. C., Maryland and Virginia. About 120 children participated in this cultural programme, which highlighted the rich cultural diversity of Sri Lanka.