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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Sri Lankan Embassy celebrates 78th Independence Day

Sri Lankan Embassy celebrates 78th Independence Day

Published Feb 23, 2026 04:19 pm
Ven. Zhi Qing of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Mabuhay Temple leads a religious observance with officials of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA)-Manila 2nd Chapter, in accordance with the Mahayana Buddhist faith.
Ven. Zhi Qing of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Mabuhay Temple leads a religious observance with officials of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA)-Manila 2nd Chapter, in accordance with the Mahayana Buddhist faith.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines marked the 78th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence on Feb. 4, 2026, with a commemorative ceremony at the official residence in Manila.
The ceremony began with Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa hoisting the National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, and a two‑minute silence in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland, as well as the victims of Cyclone Ditwah.
Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa hoists the National Flag of Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa hoists the National Flag of Sri Lanka.
Religious dignitaries—Ven. Ratthapalo, Ven. Zhi Qin of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, Rev. Fr. Viraj Fonseka of San Antonio Padua Parish, Swami Acharya Prem Shankaranand Tirth, and Shabeer Ahmadh—lit the traditional oil lamp, joined by children present at the event. Multi‑faith prayers representing Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Islamic traditions were offered to invoke blessings on the occasion.
Independence Day messages from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath were read in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Guests also viewed promotional videos highlighting Sri Lanka’s rebuilding efforts, tourism, and opportunities in trade and economic development.
Following the official event, attendees enjoyed traditional Kiribath and a buffet lunch prepared by the Embassy, and received commemorative souvenirs.
The celebration brought together more than 100 participants, including members of the Sri Lankan community as well as Filipino well‑wishers and representatives of the business community.
Representatives of diverse faiths and communities light the traditional oil lamp: Ven. Ratthapalo (Theravada Buddhism), Ven. Zhi Qin of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple (Mahayana Buddhism), Rev. Fr. Viraj Fonseka of San Antonio Padua Parish-Parañaque (Catholicism), Swami Acharya Prem Shankaranand Tirth (Hinduism), children from the Sri Lankan community, and Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa of Embassy of Sri Lanka
Representatives of diverse faiths and communities light the traditional oil lamp: Ven. Ratthapalo (Theravada Buddhism), Ven. Zhi Qin of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple (Mahayana Buddhism), Rev. Fr. Viraj Fonseka of San Antonio Padua Parish-Parañaque (Catholicism), Swami Acharya Prem Shankaranand Tirth (Hinduism), children from the Sri Lankan community, and Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa of Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ven. Ratthapalo conducts a religious observance, in accordance with the Theravada Buddhist faith.
Ven. Ratthapalo conducts a religious observance, in accordance with the Theravada Buddhist faith.
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