Sri Lanka’s 72nd anniversary of independence was celebrated recently at Makati Shangri-La.
Members of the diplomatic community, Philippine government officials, business sector, tourism industry players, media, cross section of Sri Lankans based in the Philippines and friends of Sri Lanka, attended the event.
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. vowed to pursue deeper ties between Philippines and Sri Lanka in his speech, committing to reestablish the Philippine Embassy in Sri Lanka before end 2020 to mark six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera, in her remarks, was optimistic that the good relations provided an excellent platform for broadening the horizons of bilateral cooperation.
The cultural evening showcased “So Sri Lanka,” colorful live performances of traditional dances. A wide array of delectable spice-infused Sri Lankan dishes were served to the guests.
The evening, through the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, also highlighted Sri Lanka as an emerging tourism destination for the enthusiastic Filipino traveler. —CONTRIBUTED INQ
Albania Consul Dong Benedicto, Nikki Jimenez, Belgian Embassy First Secretary Koenraad Du Pont, DFA Assistant Secretary Maeynardo MontealegreCzech Republic Deputy Head of Mission Jana Peterkova, Lebanon Consul Joseph Assad, Togo Consul Evie CostaMervat Ezzat of Egypt, Poland Ambassador Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz, Kristine CunananRita Dy, Portugal Consul Antonio RufinoFormer Philippine ambassador to Russia Vic Garcia, Connie GarciaAlexi Gunasekera, Ambassador Gunasekera, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Louie LocsinMakati Shangri-La manager Udo Wittich, DFA’s Porfirio Mayo Jr.TingTing Cojuangco, Louie Locsin, Japan Ambassador Koji Haneda, Monaco Consul General Fortune Aleta LedesmaPanama Chargé d’Affaires Lhuana Pamela Amorim, Italy Deputy Chief of Mission Eugeniu RotaruTurkey Ambassador Artemiz Sumer, Venezuela Ambassador Capaya Rodriguez GonzalezSri Lanka traditional dance performersBrazil Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Sergio Taam, European Union First Counsellor Rafael de Bustamante TelloTina Jacinto, Rupert JacintoParvati Mazumdar, India Ambassador Jaideep MazumdarSri Lanka Embassy Consular Officer Sanjeensanie Sooriyaarachchi, Attaché Sandeepani Godage, Minister Thanuja DissanayakeThailand Ambassador Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, Sirinta Ruangprateepsaeng, Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho, Cynthia CarreonHeritage Hotel general manager Farid Schoucair, Apostolic Nunciature Counsellor Msgr. Julien Kaboré, Bangladesh Ambassador Asad Alam SiamRamin Mahmoudi, Morocco Ambassador Mohammed Rida el FassiAustria Ambassador Bita Rasoulian, Denmark Ambassador Grete Sillasen, Egypt Ambassador Ahmed Ezzat
