The Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa together with the Sri Lankan expatriate community commemorated the 63rd Anniversary of the National Day in Ottawa, Canada on 6th February 2011.

The official programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara followed by a multi-faith religious observances by the Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian priests to invoke blessings for peace and prosperity to Sri Lanka.

Following the reading of the message of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, greetings of the Canadian Government were conveyed by Kenneth Macartney, Director General, South Asia & Pacific Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs.  Senator Mac Harb and Member of the House of Commons Mr. John McKay also addressed the audience briefly to convey their greetings.

Referring to H.E. the President’s message, the High Commissioner in her address spoke of the two main challenges facing the country; the development of the economy and the need to consolidate peace.

She called upon the expatriate community living in Canada to shed any differences and unite so that they could contribute to the greater prosperity and peace in their motherland.

At the function, the High Commissioner also made an appeal for contributions for the flood victims in Sri Lanka and received a sum of C$ 1551.30.  Pledges were also received upto a sum of C$ 345.00. The collection will be transferred to the Disaster Management Center in Colombo in due course.

The official segment of the programme was followed by a cultural show.  The children from the expatriate Sri Lankan community living in Ottawa participated in the cultural performance trained by Sri Lankan teachers.  The evening ended with a dinner reception hosted by the High Commission for nearly 400 participants.

A short official Flag Hoisting Ceremony was also held at the High Commissioner’s residence on the 4th February 2011 to mark the National Day.



Sri Lanka High Commission
Ottawa, Canada


February 7, 2011