Photos of Independence Day Concert and Reception For the Diplomatic Community

Press Release

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations –
Independence Day Reception for the Diplomatic Community –
February 4, 2011

New York's Asia Society Reverberates to the Rhythms of Kandyan Drums

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations hosted a well attended Concert and Reception at the prestigious Asia Society for the diplomatic community, senior UN personnel and members of the business and social elite of New York to mark the 63rd anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence. Over 120 Permanent Missions were represented at the event. The guests were treated to a memorable evening of classical music, jazz and traditional Sri Lankan dance by Sri Lanka’s own artistes. Maestro Rohan de Silva was at the piano with Ms. Sujeeva Hapugalle, Paul Metzke enthralled the audience with the guitar and Ms. Yolande Bavan, the perennial jazz favorite, kept their toes tapping and eyes tearing. The Chitrasena dance group enraptured the audience with throbbing Kandyan drums and Kohomba Kankariya for the first time in New york

Major General Shavendra Silva says the Sri Lankan Government is committed to upgrade living standard of the Tamil people who were liberated from the grip of terrorism.

Addressing a seminar organized by the Tamil Diaspora in the US in Boston yesterday he said that any person from any country of the world is free to come to Sri Lanka and visit the northern and eastern areas.

 A rapid development is taking place in those areas. The international community has also expressed their satisfaction for these development activities. The Tamil community who were liberated from the hands of the LTTE has identified the humanitarian aspects of the security forces and the Sri Lankan government. The government has focused special attention to upgrade not only their physical development but also to enhance their mental health.  Major General Shavendra Silva also elaborated on the measures taken by the security forces for the benefit of Tamil community in the war torn areas during the humanitarian operation.  Meanwhile, it has been reported that some Tamil groups had attempted to prevent him participating at the conference. However, even the pro-LTTE groups who participated at the seminar had praised the Major General for his speech. (Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation 30 January 2011)

Full speech of Major General Shavendra Silva