Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara marks Independence Day

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) - The Sri Lankan Embassy in Turkey celebrated 72nd anniversary of its country’s independence with a reception hosted in the capital Ankara on Thursday.

The event, hosted in the capital Ankara by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Turkey Mohamed Rizvi Hassen, was attended by senior Turkish officials, ambassadors and representatives from a number of embassies.

Speaking at the reception, Hassen said: “Under the leadership of the newly elected Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the government, while empowering the people, people's economic well-being and the livelihood embarks on a new path of economic development.”

Stressing deep-rooted friendship with Turkey, the envoy said that the new president and his government committed to develop existing bilateral relations with Turkey in all spheres.

“The Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara has embarked upon an ambitious and robust initiative to enhance bilateral trade, investment, tourism and to increase people to people contact through various exchanges,” Hassen added.

For his part, Turkey’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Levent Gok conveyed his heartfelt congratulations on the Independence Day celebration.

“We hope that both the presidential elections which was held last November and the forthcoming parliamentary elections will contribute to the stability, prosperity and happiness of the people of Sri Lanka,” Gok said.

Sri Lankans celebrate the country’s independence on Feb. 4. The country gained independence from Britain in 1948 after nearly 500 years of imperialist colonial rule.