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| Friday, 7 February 2003 |
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by Mohammed Rasooldeen in Riyadh Sri Lanka's Independence Day celebrations in the Kingdom was held here with the hoisting of the island's national flag at the embassy on Tuesday. Lankan expatriates from all walks of life attended the function. The special feature was the participation of students of the Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh in singing the national anthem and cultural song for the country's peace and prosperity. Former Minister of Highways Fowzie who was on his way from Colombo for the Haj pilgrimage participated. The oil lamp was lit by members of the Sri Lankan community, including President of the Sri Lankan Expatriates Society Rizvie Mansoor, Sri Lankan Airlines Manager for Central Province Samantha Nagahawatte, Chairman of the Board of Management of the school Thareek Thameem and principal S. H. M. Jameel. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando's messages were read out in English, Tamil and Sinhala by the ambassador, head of the Chancery Ameer Ajwad and Minister of Labour Welfare Nimal Athukorale. A two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Traditional Sri Lankan dishes kevun, kokis, kiribath and mun kevun were served. A similar function was held at the Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah where the Consul General Abdul Cader Mohamed Ibrahim unfurled the national flag. Ansar told the Daily News this is the first time after two decades Sri Lanka was celebrating independence in a peaceful environment. The function organised by the Sri Lankan Expatriates Society in coordination with the mission, drew an unprecedented crowd from the Sri Lankan community. Cultural events such as patriotic numbers were among the attractions. |
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