04 February 2012

Media Release

National Day Celebrations held at Sri Lanka Embassy, Vienna, Austria

 

The Sri Lankan community and friends of Sri Lanka in Austria rejoiced at the observance  of the 64th Independence Day of  Sri Lanka  at the new Embassy premises in Vienna.

 Ambassador A L A Azeez read out the message of His Excellency the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion, followed by a brief address to the audience. The essence of the President’s message that Sri Lanka should look up to the world as a confident nation and the country would continue to strive toward the steady consolidation of supreme independence struck a strong chord with the audience.

 A group of children from the community sang the national anthem, followed by the hoisting of the national flag. Two minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect for fallen heroes. A religious ceremony with the participation of all faiths in Sri Lanka ensued. The traditional oil lamp was lit by representatives of the community, and all were treated to traditional Sri Lankan food.

 A key feature of the celebration today was the honouring of the winner of  the Country Quiz conducted by Radio Vienna. Ms. Astrid Mattes, who had won the Country Quiz on Sri Lanka, which was live broadcast by Radio Vienna, thanked Radio Vienna for awarding her trip to “beautiful Sri Lanka” and that she was looking forward to visit Sri Lanka in the near future. The organizers of the Radio Vienna programme were also present at the occasion. Ambassador Azeez highlighted this as an important aspect of tourism promotion in Austria and the Central and Eastern European region.

The event organized by the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vienna in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community in Austria was attended by the community and friends of Sri Lanka in large numbers