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.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Sachet, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived in Colombo on June 19, 2024 for two-day visit. 

The ship brought essential spare parts worth USD 1.2 million on gratis for Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha. 

On arrival, the Commanding Officer of the Indian Coast Guard Ship, Deputy Inspector General R Rajesh Nambiraj, TM called on the Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral TSK Perera and the Director General, Sri Lanka Coast Guard Rear Admiral Pujitha Vilthana.

The Indian Coast Guard Ship, in a ceremony, formally handed over the spare parts to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha.  

The ceremony was graced by the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka –  Santosh Jha, Secretary of Defence of Sri Lanka Gen Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral TSK Perera, Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana as well as senior officers from Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Navy. The ship departed on 21 June 2024.

SLCGS Suraksha is an Offshore Patrol Vessel donated to Sri Lanka by Government of India in October 2017. 

India has donated spare parts for the ship earlier in June 2021 and April 2022 and also provided assistance in refilling of Halon cylinders in January 2024. Handing over of the large consignment of spares symbolizes India’s commitment to support capability building towards addressing the shared challenges of Maritime Security in the region.

‘Humanist Without Borders’, a book that celebrates fifty years of Mr. Anton Marcus as a Trade Unionist, was held in Colombo recently.

Mr. Marcus is currently the Joint Secretary of the Free Trade Zones and Public Employees’ Union (FTZ&GSEU).

The book, together with its Sinhala version – ‘Seema Mayim Nethi Maanawawaadiya’, were penned by political columnist and analyst – Kusal Perera.

A distinguished gathering including TU activists, FTZ&GSEU members and politicians were present at the launch.

Emeritus Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda and the former president and general secretary of New Zealand’s ‘First Union’, Mr. Robert Reed, delivered guest lectures.