In his address, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake who is also the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the African Union stated that the event is historical and significant as this is the first national day celebration of Sri Lanka was held in Ethiopia. 

 

While quoting the national day messages of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and the Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, the Ambassador stated that the National Unity Government that came to power in January 2015 has taken a number of initiatives within a short period of time which are fundamental to achieve real objectives of the national independence; restoration of rule of law, democracy, human rights, good governance and national reconciliation.

 

Yohannes Fanta, Director General Asia and Oceanic Affairs of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed his greetings at the ceremony on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia.  

 

The national Day Messages of the President, Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read out in Sinhala, Tamil and English .

 

The Embassy of Sri Lanka was opened on 2nd February by the Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Ethiopia during the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s official visit to Ethiopia.