DUBAI: The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates celebrated the 71st National Day of Sri Lanka at a function held on 4th February.
Celebrations included hoisting of the national flag by the Consul General, Charitha Yattogoda, singing of the National Anthem by the participants, observing two minutes’ silence for the fallen heroes and a multi-faith religious function. The Consulate General provides services and support to Sri Lankan expatriates in Dubai and the Northern Emirates of Sharjah, Umm al Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. These six emirates and the the capital emirate of Abu Dhabi form the United Arab Emirates. More than 300,000 Sri Lankans live and work in the UAE.
In his address to the Sri Lankan community members gathered at the event, the Consul General, Mr. Yattogoda highlighted the measures taken by the Consulate General to further enhance the delivery of services to the public. Such initiatives including expediting the passport application process, introduction of the smart queue system, refurbishing of the Consulate General premises, establishing an advanced PABX phone system and upgrading the website of the Consulate General to provide information in all three languages of Sri Lanka in keeping with the Sri Lankan government’s trilingual policy.
Signifying the solidarity of all ethnic groups towards the development of Sri Lanka, in addition to the Consul General and the Country Manager of Sri Lankan Airlines in the UAE, four prominent personalities representing Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher communities in Sri Lanka joined in lighting the traditional oil lamp.
In a symbolic act, a cake was cut by the ladies participating in the event, headed by the wife of the Consul General, in appreciation of the contribution made by women for the development of Sri Lanka. All participants were thereafter invited for a sumptuous buffet of traditional refreshments served at the Consulate General premises.
