The 77th Independence Day of Sri Lanka was celebrated by the Sri Lanka Association of NSW (SLA) and the Sinhalese Cultural Forum (SCF) with the active participation of Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Malay, and Burgher communities on 15th February 2025 at the Roselea Community Centre, Carlingford, NSW.

The Independence Day, which is also referred to as the National Day, is a Sri Lankan national holiday celebrated annually on the 4th of February to commemorate the country’s political independence from British rule in 1948. In the last few years, SLA and SCF have taken the leadership for commemorating this special day in Sydney Australia.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were Lord Mayor, Martin Zaiter, City of Parramatta, Mayor, Warren Wadell of Hornsby City Council and Mayor, Dr Michelle Byrne of Hills Shire Council. Mr Jabeer Cader, the current President of Austra – Lanka Muslim Association (ALMA) also graced the occasion along with many SLA and SCF presidents of the past years.

The function began with the ushering of the dignitaries to the stage front by the officers of SLA and SCF and others in a procession marked by a beautiful performance of traditional ceremonial drumming and dancing. The National Flag for Sri Lanka was hoisted by the presidents of the two associations Mrs Anoja de Alwis and Mr Rukshan Anthony. This was followed by the lighting of the the traditional oil lamp by the dignitaries and the association Presidents in the midst of traditional “Magul Bera Vadanaya”.

On-stage activities commenced with a choir of young Sri Lankans chanting Jayamangala Gatha (Stanzas of the victorious Auspices). This was followed by a youth choir leading the singing of the National Anthems of Sri Lanka (in Sinhala and in Tamil) and Australia.

An important highlight of the event was the blessings from the invited religious dignitaries from the four major religions Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam practised in Sri Lanka. They prayed and blessed the nation for a prosperous and united future.

The associations received uplifting Independence Day messages from the leaders of the Democratic Social Republic of Sri Lanka Mr Anura K Dissanayake, Honourable President, Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Honourable Prime Minister and Mr Vijitha Herath, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs. These messages were read out to the audience during the course of the ceremony proceedings. In his message the Honourable President invited all Sri Lankans to stand strong and united to take part in shaping a modern vision of freedom and contribute to a new era of revival. Honourable Prime Minister in her message reminded us that the concepts of “thriving nation” and “beautiful life” are parts of not just a vision, but a call for action from all communities regardless of their ethnicity, religion and social status. The message of the Foreign Minister also echoed similar sentiments of working with determination for freedom, unity and prosperity of the nation.

Addressing the gathering the Lord Mayors expressed their gratitude to the Sri Lankan Australians for their immense contributions to the social fabric of harmonious and multi-cultural Australia. They emphasised that the Sri Lankan Australians are excelling and contributing to all areas of importance to the contemporary Australian society. Their contributions are prominent in areas including education, research, infrastructure development, business, government, culture and community services. The presidents of the SLA and SCF thanked the invitees, and their contributions to this important and culturally rich event which all Sri Lankans have a true ownership.

Sri Lanka’s diverse culture was showcased with several Sinhalese and Tamil music, dance and song items that entertained the guests. Therese well-rehearsed and beautifully performed items were engaging and entertaining and showcased the performing arts that unite our nation.

An SLA representative Mr Kitsiri Senadheera thanked the invited guests, the audience, the food stall organisers, the entertainment providers and the organising committees and all others for their participations and contributions.

Morning refreshments with Kiribath and traditional Sri Lanka food was served for the invited guests. Several food stalls were organised where the participants had a wide selection of foods for lunch.

By Dr Lakshman Randeniya