(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The Sri Lanka High Commission, in partnership with the Australian government arranged for the illumination of iconic Australian National monuments in the colours of the Sri Lankan national flag to mark the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence and 75 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka.
From 03-06 February 2023, twelve (12) national monuments from Canberra (The Royal Australian Mint, Old Parliament, and Carillion); Melbourne (Flinders Street Railway Station); Queensland (Parliament, City Hall) and; Perth (Council House and five bridges) were lit up in the colours of the Sri Lankan flag to mark this historic milestone.
The illumination of the iconic monuments symbolizes the longstanding and mutually rewarding friendship between Australia and Sri Lanka.
On 04 February the High Commission commemorated the 75th anniversary of independence at the Sri Lanka High Commission premises with the participation of representatives of Sri Lankan community in Canberra and the officials of the Sri Lanka Triforces who are presently undergoing training in Australia. The celebration commenced with the flag hoisting ceremony followed by singing the national anthem in the Sinhala and Tamil languages and conducting multi-faith observances.
Speaking at the occasion, Acting High Commissioner Chamari Rodrigo said Sri Lanka marked the historic milestone of the country in the midst of a myriad of challenges on the economic front. She appealed that, even though the economic situation does not warrant a grand celebration, it is clearly a time to reflect on the post- independence years; rectify our failures and for the citizens to rededicate themselves to ensuring their country’s well-being for the future.
The Acting High Commissioner also highlighted the enduring bilateral partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka which rests on the strong foundation of people-to-people connectivity and shared values. “The illumination of so many monuments together in the Sri Lankan flag colours, for the first time in Australia, signified 75 years of mutually respectful partnership with Australia which is home to a large Sri Lankan expatriate community. The Sri Lanka High Commission extends its sincere appreciation to Australia for its warm gesture”, she added.
The SriLankan Airlines and the Australia – Sri Lanka Association in Canberra (ASLA) supported the illumination project by encouraging the Sri Lankan community to capture the unique moment through photos and videos. SriLankan Airlines sponsored a return air ticket to Sri Lanka for the winner of the best photo.
The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra considers the lighting up of iconic monuments in Australia in the colours of the Sri Lankan flag as momentous and historic.
