Sri Lankans and Brits coming from all communities and friends gathered to Partick Burgh Hall in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city on the 07th February 2010 to celebrate Sri Lanka's 62nd Independence Day. This was a remarkable event as the country celebrates its true Independence. The Head Monk to the Great Britain and the Chief of the Scotland Buddhist Vihara, most Venerable Kamburawala Sri Rewatha Thero and the Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Britain participated in the event as the chief guests officially representing the Sri Lankan Government and the Sri Lankan High Commission in London along with many other distinguished guests. Members from the Westminster parliament (MPs representing all parties), members of the Scottish parliament (MSP), the Lord Provost of Glasgow City Council and City Councillors were participated and also delivered speeches. The Sri Lankan flag was hoisted by the Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. P. M. Amza using a hoisting mast especially made for the event by the organisers.
Leaders from all religious groups representing Sri Lankan communities, community leaders from all South Asian communities attended in the event to make it a true Sri Lankan National and also a South Asian regional event too. Children from Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burger communities sung the National Anthem in Sinhala language. Traditional Sinhala and Tamil dances were performed to make the event a colourful one. Performance by children to the "Lowe Sema Ekama Deye Du Daruwan Wewa" song was truly amazing and attracted the audience throughout.
Celebration was closed with refreshments served including traditional Kiri Bath (Milk Rice) authentic Sri Lankan delicacies and pure Ceylon Tea.
This was the first-ever event in this kind organised in Scotland by the community for the community. Organisers would like to thank all Sri Lankans, friends and the sponsors for their participation and support extended to make this event a true success with a total of 243 participants recorded at its peak session.
Full photo coverage of the event is available here.
