August 16, Colombo (LNW):India’s 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great fervor across Sri Lanka on August 15, 2024. The main event in Colombo took place at ‘India House,’ the official residence of the High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha. The High Commissioner hoisted India’s National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour. He also read excerpts from the address by the President of India to the nation on the eve of Independence Day.
The celebration was enhanced by various cultural events, including a performance by the Sri Lanka Navy Band, which played tunes embodying valour and patriotism. A visiting troupe from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), led by Ranjith Gogoi, captivated the audience with a soulful Bihu Dance performance. In addition, the High Commissioner and officers of the High Commission of India paid homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial, honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for peace and unity in Sri Lanka.
Special events were also organized by the Assistant High Commission in Kandy, the Consulate General in Jaffna, and the Consulate General in Hambantota to mark the occasion.
Later in the day, the Bharat Sri Lanka Maitri Utsav 2024 was inaugurated at the iconic Independence Square Park in Colombo. This four-day festival, running from August 15 to 18, will feature a traditional handicrafts exhibition showcasing artisans from India and Sri Lanka, cultural performances, and a food festival. The Utsav will remain open to the public until 10 pm on August 18.
