Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka, 2019 –Contributed by Marie Pietersz, Melbourne The 71st anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka was celebrated in Victoria at the Box Hill Town Hall, Box Hill, on 4 February 2019, following the official flag-hoisting ceremony in the Office of the Consulate General in Melbourne. Sri Lankan flags adorned Federation Square. The celebration commenced with the singing of the national anthem in Sinhala and Tamil and observance of two minutes silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the country. The traditional lighting of the oil lamp was followed by multi-faith religious observances conducted by clergy representing four religions in Sri Lanka to bless the nation and its people. Among the distinguished guests attending were senior government officials from both sides of Parliament, the Hon Josh Bull MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, representing the Premier, and the Hon Craig Ondarchie ...

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