Hundreds of Sri Lankan expatriates gathered at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Muscat to celebrate the country's 67th Independence Day, on Wednesday morning.

N. L. Abdul Haleem, charge d'affaires at the embassy, unfurled the Sri Lankan national flag and read out the address of the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

Eminent Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka, Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero, was present in the embassy during the celebrations.

The other dignitaries who were present included P G Sarath Lalsiri, president of the Sri Lankan Community Social Club, Ratnasiri Jasighe, chairman, Sri Lankan School of Muscat, Somabandhu Kodikara, principal, Sri Lankan School, Muscat, Anselm Perera, president of the Sri Lanka-Oman Business Forum and Deepal Pallegangoda, country manager of Sri Lankan Airlines in Oman.

Speaking on the occasion, Haleem said that the relations between Sri Lanka and the Sultanate of Oman which date back several centuries have now been transformed into a multi- faceted mutually rewarding partnership encompassing all fields of interest.

"This time-tested relationship has been further consolidated through frequent visits of government leaders, officials, civil society and tourists who have shown greater affinity towards each other," he said.

In 2014, the two countries signed a MoU in the field of manpower which enhanced benefits and employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in the government and private sectors.

"The two countries also signed a MoU in Muscat on bilateral consultation in 2012. It paves the way for a continuous dialogue between the two countries across a vast spectrum. In this respect, the first bilateral consultative meeting between the two countries was held in Muscat and discussed a number of topics that were mutually beneficial to both sides," he claimed.
(Times of Oman)