The Sri Lankan High Commission in Kenya celebrated Sri Lanka’s 76th independence anniversary with a prestigious morning function yesterday at the Kempinski Villa Rosa Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event was graced by the presence of Cabinet Ministers and TRI forces Chief of Kenya, underlining the significance of the event.
The event welcomed around 350 distinguished guests and the chief guest was the Nairobi City Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, who represented the Government of Kenya. Also in attendance were ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, UN officials, business leaders, and members of the Sri Lankan community in Kenya.
High Commissioner Kana Kananathan hoists the national flag.
The guests were received with the traditional Sri Lankan gesture of offering betel leaves and Independence Day commemorative shawls, followed by the hoisting of the national flag by High Commissioner Kana V. Kananathan, accompanied by the Sri Lankan national anthem played by the Kenyan Police Band.
The programme continued with solemn religious observances representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim faiths, invoking blessings upon Sri Lanka.
Most Venerable Gawaragiriye Premarathana Thera of Royal College in Colombo, also attached to Abhayarama Temple in Sri Lanka, was specially invited by the High Commissioner to conduct Buddhist religious observances, adding a sacred dimension to the event.
High Commissioner Kananathan addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day and highlighting the country’s ongoing journey of economic recovery and development under the visionary leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He expressed confidence in the deepening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kenya, which foster mutual growth and development.
One of the activities that stood out was the lighting of the oil lamp. As opposed to the usual practice of adults and VIPs, this year, Sri Lankan children aged 5 to 16 years old of the different ethnicities of Sri Lanka lit the lamp. Guests in attendance commended the High Commissioner for this innovative idea.
Deputy Governor Muchiri commended Ambassador Kananathan’s efforts in strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating Sri Lankan investments in Kenya and the broader African region, which have significantly enhanced trade and investments between the countries.
The celebration featured captivating cultural performances showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and traditions, adding vibrancy and festivity to the event. Guests were then treated to a brunch featuring Sri Lankan cuisine, offering a tantalizing taste of the island’s diverse culinary delights.
The post SL Envoy hosts Independence Day celebration in Kenya appeared first on DailyNews.