“Sri Lanka Serves as a Gateway to South Asia”

Celebrating 65th Independence Day and 35th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Korea

Despite the cold winter weather and snow and ice scattered throughout the city, perhaps 200~300 friends and guests of the ambassador filled the grand ballroom at the Seoul Millennium Hotel to congratulate Sri Lanka on its 65^th Independence Day and 35^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador Tissa Wijeratne began the evening with a speech overviewing the history and landmarks in Korea and Sri Lanka relations and hopes for the future.

“Sri Lanka was the first democracy in Asia even though it has suffered much internal conflict over the years. We are very grateful to have overcome the civil war and that the relations between our two countries could be restored,” said Ambassador Tissa Wijeratne.

“After the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka has been growing at an annual rate of 8%. Sri Lanka not only has a lucrative domestic market for Korean investors now, but can also be viewed as a gateway to South Asia. Sri Lanka’s tourism market is most promising,” said Wijeratne.

To enhance future relations, Korean Air has announced that it will begin a direct flight between Seoul and Colombo from March 9.

To congratulate the evening, Kim Kum-lae, Minister of Gender, Equality and Family gave special remarks on behalf of the Korean government and Shin Jung-taek, Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka to Busan gave a toast.

During dinner, the world famous Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation of Sri Lanka performed 9 different dances, each of which told of different stories of Sri Lanka.

Channa-Upuli Dance Troupe's "Peacock Dance"

Channa-Upuli Dance Troupe's "Dewanjali," a dance describing the beauty of Thribhangha women

At the end of the evening, Wijeratne shared, “I’m very pleased to have so many friends attend tonight’s celebration. It is a very significant evening in which are not only celebrating our independence day but our very good relations with Korea. ”

On February 9, the Sri Lankan embassy also organized an Independence Day program at Konkuk University for Sri Lankan residents and Korean friends, where hundreds attended.

The Sri Lanka Food Festival is also being held at Millenium Hilton’s Orangerie restaurant until February 28^th.