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Aryasinha warns of attempts to distort Lanka’s imageFebruary 9, 2011, 10:50 pm
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha, addressing the celebrations to mark Sri Lanka’s 63rd Anniversary of Independence in Brussels on February 6, 2011, called on Sri Lankans abroad to rise against continued attempts by vested interests to distort the country’s image.
He said "as we celebrate our freedom, let us not forget that these continue to be challenging times for Sri Lanka. Even as Sri Lanka takes tangible measures to bring about reconciliation and has embarked on a process of development and sustainable peace for all communities in Sri Lanka, there are some with vested interests, who continue to seek to distort the image of Sri Lanka, particularly in the West. As a result, the Sri Lanka, which is projected out here, is very different from the Sri Lanka that is over there. This is not a moment for any Sri Lankan or lover of Sri Lanka to be mere spectators. It is a time for all those who are genuinely interested in Sri Lanka’s future, to join in shaping Sri Lanka’s destiny. Sri Lanka has a better story to tell, and I urge that each and every one of you, in your own way, rise to meet this challenge".
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels together with Sri Lankans living in Belgium and Luxembourg celebrated Sri Lanka’s 63rd Anniversary of Independence at the ‘La Fannel’ auditorium in Brussels. The event attended by over 200 persons, showcased Sri Lanka at its best – its religious practices, cultural diversity and aspirations for the future.
The proceedings commenced with the singing of the National Anthem. Two minutes silence was observed honoring the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country and remembering those who had lost their lives in natural disasters, including in the recent floods in Sri Lanka.
Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, Ven. Kimbulawala Rewatha thero, Chief Monk of the United Kingdom, conducted the Buddhist religious observances, Rev. Harinath Sahrma performed the Hindu rites, Maulavi Kamal performed the Islamic prayers and Rev. Sister Marie Josephine conducted the Christian prayers.
The Independence Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out in all three languages by Embassy officials.
A special feature of the event was the signing by the Board of Directors of the Constitution of the Belgolux-Sri Lanka Business Council (BLSLBC), which is being incorporated as a non-profit organization in Belgium