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248 years of American independence celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

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The U.S. Embassy in Colombo celebrated the 248th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America with a festive event hosted by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung at the Galle Face Hotel on June 27. 

The Ambassador welcomed Chief Guest Honorable Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs, alongside distinguished Sri Lankan officials, diplomats, and partners from the business, civil society, and media communities. This year’s American Independence Day celebration highlighted the enduring spirit of democracy and the robust partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka.   
U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung thanked guests for their partnership and commitment to upholding democracy and all it stands for, stating: “Tonight, we celebrate not just the independence of the United States and the birth of our democracy, but we also reflect on the enduring struggle and steadfast commitment to democratic ideals…248 years ago, nothing was certain about America’s experiment in democracy.  We declared our independence with a bold statement of our principles, aspirations, and vision – ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’ But American democracy did not begin and end with this declaration and the creation of a constitution.  Democracy is not static; it is a process, a continued renewal of commitments to fundamental principles.”   

Ambassador Chung added, “Tonight, we commemorate not just the founding of a nation, but the enduring spirit of unity and freedom that defines us and the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership.” With bilateral relations spanning over seven decades and people to people connections that go back even further, the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka continues to strengthen, promoting shared democratic values and interests in diplomacy, commerce, culture, and more. The 2024 Independence Day celebration underscores the Embassy’s commitment to partnership with Sri Lanka in such areas as advancing regional peace and stability, promoting energy security, expanding bilateral trade and investment, building connections between people and expanding educational and English language opportunities, and combating transnational threats.  Looking ahead, both countries are poised to deepen cooperation across all areas, reflecting a vision for an even stronger U.S.-Sri Lanka relationship in the future. 

The event, themed “American Neighborhood Block Party,” recreated the festive atmosphere of a classic U.S. neighborhood celebration right in Colombo, featuring exhibitions of photographic memories from July 4th celebrations across the United States and quintessential American games. Mirroring the community-centric spirit of a typical neighborhood party in America, the event offered an evening full of entertaining activities, inviting guests to unite in a vibrant and inclusive setting. The celebration culminated with a fireworks display on Galle Face Green, a testament to the joy and unity of this special occasion.

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Healing Garden handed over on International Childhood Cancer Day (Pics)

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On 15th February, International Childhood Cancer Day, Ambassador of Japan – Mr. Akio ISOMATA attended the handover ceremony of the Healing Garden at the palliative care centre for children with cancer “SUWA ARANA” under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake, Chairperson of Indira Cancer Trust operating SUWA ARANA, highlighted the garden’s role in holistic healing, emphasizing that cancer affects the mind, body, and spirit, and the Healing Garden provides a peaceful space for patients and families to find comfort, renewal, and strength.

Ambassador Isomata expressed his delight that this project has contributed to alleviating the concerns and anxieties of patients and families, creating an environment where they can live happily and with dignity. He also expressed his hope that, through future exchanges with Japanese children’s hospices, the palliative care will be further promoted.

(Pics : Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka)

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Indian HC launches sinhala translations of ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ (Pics)

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The High Commission of India in Colombo marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Sinhala translations of five Jataka Tales Amar Chitra Katha comic books on the occasion of Navam Full Moon Poya Day at the revered Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.
 These books published and translated by India’s largest comic book publisher, Amar Chitra Katha, are aimed at connecting students of Dhamma with the message of Buddha in an engaging and accessible medium. The books were well received by the audience including the hundreds of Sunday school students in participation.

In addition to the book launch, the High Commission also hosted the second edition of the ‘Buddham Sharanam Gacchami’ mobile exhibition at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. Curated by the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, this exhibition presents a distinguished collection of paintings illustrating key episodes from the life of Lord Buddha, as well as other important Buddhist teachings. The exhibition will be showcased at various Buddhist temples across the country on each Poya day throughout the year.

Both the launch of the Jataka Tales comic books and the exhibition are a continuation of the efforts by the High Commission of India to promote Buddhist values and the shared heritage. These initiatives further reinforce the longstanding cultural and religious links between the people of India and Sri Lanka while fostering a deeper understanding of Buddhist art and culture.

(Indian HC)

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 Medical Camp held at the Parliament premises (Pics)

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The medical camp organized by the Parliamentary Administrative Staff Union (PASU) was held on Feb. 11 at the Parliament premises. 

This medical clinic, which was sponsored by the Ministry of Health, was open to the parliamentary staff and affiliated staff as well as to all Members of Parliament.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament – Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, President of the Parliamentary Administrative Staff Union – Mr. Palitha Priyankara and Secretary of the Union – Ms. Buddhika Abeysinghe and staff members were present for the inaugural session of the medical camp.  

Opportunities pertaining to clinics and laboratory testing services related to non-communicable disease screening, kidney, eye, and dental care, as well as Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, and psychiatry were provided at the medical camp held.

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