The 71st Sri Lanka Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations was organized by the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California.
The event took place on February 2nd, 2019 at the Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center, Monrovia.
The official ceremony began by unfurling of the National Flag and lighting of the Traditional oil lamp. Many Sri Lankan Americans, Americans, Religious Heads, Consular Corps and Government Officials graced this occasion. The chief guest of this event, Honorable Sri Lankan Consul General, Swarna Gunaratna for Western States of USA delivered the Independence Day Message. The Welcome Speech was delivered by the President, Seruk Indika Pilana Manage of the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California, religious observances were conducted by Religious Heads of Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholic/Christianity and Islam.
The event continued with amazing cultural performances such as the Opening Dance, speech about the history of Sri Lankan Independence, Cultural Dances, Bharatanatyam, Folk dance and Patriotic Song.
Vote of thanks was delivered at the end of the Ceremony by Sondra Wise, Vice President of the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California.
