Celebrating Sri Lanka’s 77th Independence Anniversary – A Tribute to Unity & Heritage

The 77th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence was commemorated in London with a remarkable Community Reception hosted by the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK on 9th February 2025. This historic event, held at City of Westminster College, brought together members of the Sri Lankan diaspora, friends of Sri Lanka, and distinguished guests to celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of unity.

A Momentous Occasion in London

For the first time, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in the UK organised a community-focused Independence Day Reception—a significant initiative to strengthen ties between Sri Lanka and its global community. The event opened with the official Independence Day speech by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration.

A key highlight was the vibrant cultural showcase, featuring:

• A traditional Kandyan dance performed by the Kandyan Dancers Company
• A Bharathanatyam dance by Branava Nartanalaya
• *Songs by the Rupavahini Muthuhara Children’s Society UK 2515
• A fusion dance that beautifully blended Kandyan and Bharathanatyam traditions

These performances were a testament to Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural heritage and the unifying power of the arts.

Reflections on Unity and Progress

The evening also featured inspiring speeches from community leaders representing Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian communities. Their messages underscored the Sri Lankan diaspora’s contributions to society and the importance of fostering unity and harmony across cultures.

In her address, Mrs Manorie Mallikaratchy, Acting High Commissioner, emphasised the theme of ‘Towards a National Renaissance’, reflecting on Sri Lanka’s resilience, historical journey to independence, and the government’s vision for economic transformation and sustainable development. She encouraged the Sri Lankan diaspora to play an active role in the nation’s progress, reinforcing a shared vision of “A Thriving Nation, Beautiful Life.”

Regent Global’s Commitment to Cultural Unity

As Joint CEOs of Regent Global, Tharshiny Pankaj and I were honoured to sponsor this historic event. While we were unable to attend in person, we were delighted that Emilia Bland MCIM, FRSA, Head of Marketing at Regent College London, accepted a Token of Appreciation on our behalf, presented by the Acting High Commissioner.

At Regent, we firmly believe in the power of education, culture, and community engagement to build bridges and foster understanding. Supporting events that celebrate Sri Lanka’s heritage aligns with our mission to promote unity, diversity, and international collaboration.