The Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom celebrated the 62nd National Day with the participation of a large number of Sri Lankans living in the UK, at the High Commission premises on 4 February 2010.

The National Flag was hoisted by H.E. the High Commissioner Justice Nihal Jayasinghe.

Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Thero, Chief Incumbent of the London Buddhist Vihara, Rev. Kurukkal Punchatchara, Fr. Edward Perera, Fr. Tony de Alwis and Mr. Ishack Thahir who were present at the celebration offered blessings representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islam religions respectively, for a peaceful and prosperous future in Sri Lanka.

The gathering viewed the National Day speech delivered in Kandy, Sri Lanka by H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka on a large screen. It was followed by the speech of H.E. the High Commissioner who requested the participants to carry the message to their fellow Sri Lankans in the UK to engage with the Sri Lankan Government to bring about a peaceful development and reconciliation back in the motherland. He further stated that the High Commission is open for the Sri Lankan Diaspora to come and interact at any time with him and his staff.

The gathering was then offered to enjoy a reception of Sri Lankan traditional culinary to mark the dawn of a new era of peace in Sri Lanka.

On the 5th of February the High Commissioner hosted a reception to the Diplomatic Community, Political Leaders and senior Government Officials in the UK, to mark the 62nd National Day of Sri Lanka. A cultural programme depicting the Sri Lankan multi ethnic culture was also presented during the function.

H.E. Justice Nihal Jayasinghe hoisting the National flag

H.E. Justice Nihal Jayasinghe lighting the oil lamp

Singing the National Anthem

Viewing the National Day speech delivered by H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa,

President of Sri Lanka

H.E. Justice Nihal Jayasinghe delivering his speech

A section of the gathering

.