Sunday Times 2
Sri Lanka commemorates 75th Anniversary of Independence in Vienna
View(s):The Embassy hosted a diplomatic reception at the Rathaus Wien (Vienna City Hall) on February 13 commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka.
First President of the Parliament of the Province of Vienna Ernst Woller graced the event as guest of honour. The reception was attended by several dignitaries including First Vice President of the Tyrolean Parliament Mag Sophia Kircher, VIPs, officials from the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, representatives from UN bodies, Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives based in Vienna, entrepreneurs, tour operators and travel agents.
Ambassador and Permanent Representative Majintha Jayesinghe requested invitees to visit Sri Lanka and experience the resplendent island for themselves.
Underlining Sri Lanka’s relations with Austria, First President Ernst Woller mentioned the importance of promoting connectivity between Vienna and Sri Lanka. He alluded to his special connection to Sri Lanka and highlighted his frequent visits to Sri Lanka, having travelled to the country more than 10 times since his first visit in 1980.
Mementos were presented on behalf of Michael Ludwig, Mayor and Governor of Vienna to Mr Woller, Ljiljana Cassim, Consul of Sri Lanka in the Republic of Serbia, and Edith Hornig, Consul of Sri Lanka in Styria and Carinthia in Austria, for their contribution towards strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and their respective country and region for 28 and 18 years respectively.
Guests were able to savour an array of delicious Lankan cuisine and the world’s finest Ceylon Tea, creating a truly Lankan ambience.