Hundreds of Sri Lankans gathered to celebrate Sri Lanka’s Independence Day at Konkuk University’s New Millennium Hall on Saturday.

The event was one of several to mark independence from Britain on Feb. 4, 1948, and was capped with a series of traditional music and dance performances by the Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation of Sri Lanka.

They opened with a moment of silence for those who had sacrificed themselves for independence, the lighting of a traditional lamp, and religious observances from representatives of Sri Lanka’s four main religious groups: Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

South Korean Ambassador for Public Diplomacy Ma Young-sam spoke briefly to congratulate the country on its 65 years of independence.

“The past years have witnessed significant growth in the mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries,” he said.

“I hope that our friendly and good relations will be further strengthened in various fields for the mutual benefit of our nations in the years ahead.”

Sri Lankan Ambassador Tissa Wijeratne paid respects to those who had fought for Sri Lanka’s freedom.

“This day accords much significance for the people of Sri Lanka, as it reflects on the history of great sacrifices made by many Sri Lankans in the attainment of our freedom,” he said.

Wijeratne went on to salute the efforts of the Sri Lankans in Korea, the majority of whom are temporary workers.

“There are about 25,000 Sri Lankans in the Republic Of Korea who are contributing a lot to the Sri Lankan economy as well as the Korean economy. So their contribution is very significant to the bilateral relations.

“I am very grateful to our community, who earned a well-deserved reputation for being sincere, talented, disciplined, hard-working and law-abiding. Our community members contribute immensely to the development of both countries,” he said.

By Paul Kerry (paulkerry@heraldcorp.com)