Consulate General of Sri Lanka

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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto organized the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka on 04 February 2023 with the participation of Sri Lankan-Canadians living in the Ontario province.

Head of the Peel Region Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Prof. Sivakumar Gulasingam, both prominent individuals of Sri Lankan heritage in Canada were invited as the Guests of Honor for this historic anniversary celebration. Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah was represented by Superintendent Raj Biring at the celebration. Both Superintendent Raj Biring and Prof. Sivakumar Gulasingam in their remarks at the event congratulated Sri Lanka and her people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of independence.

The messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka were delivered at the event.

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Toronto Thushara Rodrigo addressed the gathering inviting all Sri Lankan Canadians to support the reconciliation and economic recovery efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka and to closely work with the Consulate General to achieve these objectives. The Consul General highlighted the importance of the geographical location of the island for the world maritime security network and international trade, and requested Sri Lankan-Canadian expatriates and the business community to take advantage of Sri Lanka's geo-strategic location to further expand economic engagement with Sri Lanka and enter the Asian market through this gateway.

The celebration included a multicultural dance performance, a Sri Lankan Batik fashion show, a tourism promotion segment, and Sri Lanka's Lion Beer brand promotion. Guests were served authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

The Sri Lankan expatriate community and well-wishers supported the Consulate General to organize the celebration through sponsorships and in-kind contributions.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

Toronto

13 February 2023

You Tube Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXRg-U5qiCc

Sri Lanka Consulate General in Toronto participated at the Annual Chariot Festival of the Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu Temple on 23^rd July 2022 at the invitation extended by the Chief Priest and the Board of Trustees of the Hindu Temple.

The festival was attended by more than 10,000 Sri Lankan Canadian Tamils including high-profile business community representing a cross section of their population. Also, the festival was attended by several Canadian provincial political dignitaries and senior officials of the public and private sector of Canada. The Canadian political leaders highly commended the contribution of the Sri Lankan Canadian Tamils towards cultural diversity and socio-economic development of Canada. They highlighted that Canada has become home to the largest Sri Lanka expatriate Tamil population in the world.

This festival reflected the broadening space in the moderate Tamil community for a welcoming engagement with Sri Lanka. This moderate Canadian Tamil segment of the population mainly represents academics, professionals, and high-profile business community. They have shown interest for increasing presence in Sri Lanka in the economic development. There is a growing trend of submitting dual citizen applications by this segment having prospects for broader engagement in Sri Lanka. The Consulate General in Toronto is providing consular services for an increasing number of Sri Lankan Canadian Tamil community and representing their social, cultural and community events. Sri Lanka may utilize this platform and the political force to strengthen the reconciliation efforts of Sri Lanka through some constructive engagements on a clear roadmap.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

Toronto

26^th July, 2022