RIYADH, 3 February 2005 — Sri Lankans in the Kingdom are to celebrate their country’s National Day tomorrow in a low-key manner in view of the recent tsunami disaster that struck the island. Tidal waves killed some 38,000 Sri Lankans and rendered more than a million homeless.
The Sri Lankan Embassy will host a reception in the morning for all Sri Lankans in Riyadh as soon after the ceremonial flag hoisting ceremony. Ambassador Ibrahim Sahib Ansar will unfurl the national flag at 9 a.m. at the embassy premises. He will then read messages of President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Premier Mahinda Rajapakse and Foreign Minister Lakshmar Kadirgamar. “Religious dignitaries from all faiths will offer prayers for those who died in the disaster and they will pray for the progress and prosperity of our nation at the morning function ,” Ansar said.
In Jeddah, Consul General A.M.J. Sadiq will hoist the national flag at 8.30 a.m. at the consulate premises. The Sri Lankan government sent a circular to all its mission to celebrate this year’s National Day in a austere manner.