Members of the Sri Lankan community in The Gambia, yesterday, February 4th, observed the 61st independence anniversary of their country.

A reception party was held at the residence of Lawyer Shanaka Wijesingh, a Sri Lankan and senior state prosecutor, on Kairaba Avenue. The event brought together government officials, Sri Lankans, media practitioners and some members of the public.  

Speaking at the ceremony, Lawyer Shanaka Wijesinghe recalled that his country was among the first British colonies to gain independence. He explained that the Sri Lankan community in The Gambia is small but its members are contributing significantly to the development of the country.

The senior state prosecutor took the opportunity to pay a special tribute to the Gambian leader, Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh and the people of The Gambia for their hospitality and cooperation. He hailed President Jammeh for providing a peaceful, friendly and conducive environment for everybody in The Gambia.

“Sri Lanka and The Gambia share a lot in common. The two countries enjoy a close bilateral relationship built upon mutual understanding and I am confident that the already existing cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said. He also hailed his president, Mahindara Japakase, for leading the republic of Sri Lanka in the right direction.

Binta Sighateh, deputy permanent secretary - Administration and Finance - at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, who represented the PS, Foreign Affairs, expressed congratulations on behalf of  Professor Dr Jammeh and the whole country to the members of the Sri Lankan community in The Gambia. She assured them of her department’s support at all times.