The Honorary Consulate in Hawai'i commemorated the 77th Anniversary of the National Independence of Sri Lankan on 08 February 2025 at the Parish Hall in Honolulu.
The Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka hosted the event in Hawai'i, Asoka K. Silva, which included traditional elements, distinguished speeches, cultural performances, and a dinner reception.
The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp, representing enlightenment and auspicious beginnings, followed by prayers and blessings from various religious leaders. The audience was also graced with the rendition of the Sri Lankan National Anthem. The National Day messages from the President of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism were read during the event.
A significant highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Mayor's Proclamation, officially designating February 4th as Sri Lanka Independence Day in the City and County of Honolulu.
The event was honoured by the presence of the Honorable Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, alongside other distinguished guests such as Deputy Managing Director Jayaram, Hawaii State Senator Brandon Elefante, representatives from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Command, and senior officials from the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Consul General and Honorary Consuls from various nations also attended, adding prestige to the occasion.
The cultural segment featured performances by local community members, showcasing the diverse traditions of Sri Lankan and Hawaiian cultures. A notable presentation included an individual recognized in local media for their work with coconut trees.
The Sri Lankan community was well-represented, comprising individuals from Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Catholic/Christian backgrounds, as well as military officers from the Sri Lankan Army and Navy. The event also provided an opportunity to welcome new community members and acknowledge the contributions of long-standing members in Hawai'i.
In concluding remarks, the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka expressed gratitude to all attendees for their participation. The evening concluded with a dinner reception for more than 160 guests featuring a collaborative effort from community members to provide guests with an authentic experience of Sri Lankan cuisine.
The link to watch the ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6kqVa6Ty-8&t=3s
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
12 February 2025
