Sri Lankan Independence celebrations

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka celebrated 71 years of Independence on Monday, February 4. To mark the occasion, Senator Aubyn Hill and his wife Tamara hosted Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Jamaica A L Ratnapala, dignitaries, well-wishers and members of the Sri Lankan community at their home last Saturday. The event also signified 20 years of diplomatic ties between Jamaica and the South Asian island nation and the first time that Sri Lankan Independence Day has been celebrated locally.

Besides cricket and a colonial past, Sri Lanka and Jamaica enjoy a number of similarities. Tourism is one of our main industries; the agricultural sector supports both export and local markets; and both of our stock exchanges are among the world's best performing. The countries also have a geographical terrain that includes forests, mountain ranges and sandy beaches. The majority of the population of both nations is literate and both cultures are steeped in colourful traditions.

Sri Lanka has a rich history that spans over 125,000 years and is well known for its ancient Buddhist ruins and the ancient city Anuradhapura. As Asia's oldest democracy, Sri Lanka has a lot to celebrate and last Saturday, the community in Jamaica did just that.

Read orginal article: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/social/sri-lankan-independence_156961?profile=1237 

 During the celebration of Sri Lanka’s 71st independence, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Jamaica A L Ratnapala (centre) was flanked by (from left) the evening’s host Senator Aubyn Hill; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Pearnel Charles Jr; and businessmen Haresh and Kishore Khemlani. 

KPMG senior partner Tarun Handa (left) and his wife Catherine shared the frame with the University of the West Indies, Mona Dean of the Faculty of Sport Dr Akshai Mansingh. 

 Supreme Ventures Limited Deputy Chairman Ian Levy and his composer wife Cecelia 

From left: British High Commission Kingston Political Officer Phil Donaldson, his wife Fleur and HR Consultant Kithmini Fernando 

 The Social lens caught Mexican Ambassador to Jamaica Juan José González Mijares (right) laughing at a joke made by the Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica Michael Subratie. 

 Co-principals of Hyline Label Company Ltd Linda (centre) and Neil Chang paused for a photo op with The University of the West Indies, Mona Department of Computing head Dr Gunjan Mansingh. 

 After the formalities, Wednesday Social caught up with British High Commission Kingston Vice Consul Anusha Anthony, her Regency Bar & Lounge manager husband Dirome Anthony (centre) and Mohan Kumar, senior group roaming manager – international business, Digicel Group. (Photos: Garfield Robinson) 

UTech, Jamaica Dean of the Faculty of Law Dr Prathiba Mahanamahewa (left) and MegaMart Group Financial Controller Jayantha Bandara 

National Day Celebrations in Jamaica 

On February 9, Senator the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., State Minister in the Foreign Ministry, toasted the Government of Sri Lanka on its 71st anniversary of independence.

National Day celebrations at the Sri Lanka Embassy, Havana, Cuba on 04th February 2019.

Sri Lankan expatriate community in Haiti celebrates 71st Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s National Independence

Sri Lankan workers attached to MAS Akansyél – Haiti have celebrated Sri Lanka’s National Independence on 04th February 2019 at a colorful ceremony at their factory premises with the participation of the General Manager of the company Mr. Giri Chandrasena. 
MAS Akansyél is a subsidiary of MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Head Quartered in Sri Lanka and with Regional Apparel Manufacturing facilities in Haiti, USA and Honduras. 
Sri Lanka Embassy is pleased and proud about the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Haiti for their commitment towards motherland and convey its best wishes on this special day.
Few photographs of the event are given below.

President of Cuba H.E. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez holds the annual meeting with the Diplomatic Corps in Cuba, 117 Ambassadors or Head of Missions and 6 representatives of International Organizations attended.