The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh will host a breakfast party for all Sri Lankans in Riyadh following the ceremonial flag-raising ceremony on the day.

Ambassador Ahmed A. Jawad will unfurl the national flag amid the beat of drums (Magul bera) at 9 a.m. at the embassy premises. Then community members will join the choir of the Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh to sing the national anthem. This will be followed by the recital of the Jayamangala Gatha and observance of a two-minute silence by the audience in memory of fallen heroes.

The traditional oil lamp will be lit by the ambassador and prominent community members to mark the day. The envoy is slated to make his independence day speech at the end of the morning program.

The ambassador and diplomats of the mission will read out the independence day messages of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and Foreign Minister G. L Peiris during the function.

Dignitaries from all faiths will also pray for the progress and prosperity of the nation. “This will promote unity and friendship among members of all communities in the island,” Jawad said. Muslims and Tamils live with the majority Sinhalese community on the island.

Sri Lankan Expatriates Society President in Riyadh S. Thangasamy told Arab News that the morning event is a good opportunity for members of the Sri Lankan community to meet and greet one another on this day.

In Jeddah, Consul General Athambawa Uthumlebbe will raise the national flag at 8 a.m. at the consulate premises. The consulate has sent out an open invitation to all its community members to participate in the program.

Traditional Sri Lankan dishes such as kiribath, kevun, kokis and mung kevun will be served during the functions in Riyadh and Jeddah.