The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris celebrated the 78th Anniversary of the country’s Independence with the Sri Lankan community in France on Saturday, 07th February 2026, at Palais de l'Épi d'Or in Villejuif, Val-de-Marne. The colourful celebrations, organised under the theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka,” brought together professionals, the business community, association leaders, artists, teachers, students, and children and youth, representing three generations of the vibrant Sri Lankan community in France.
The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Manisha Gunasekera, accompanied by Magul Bera. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem, and the chanting of Jayamangala Gatha by students of the Dhamma Chakka Daham School in France, the latter to invoke universal blessings. A two-minute silence was observed in remembrance of national heroes and those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, as well as those who lost their lives in natural disasters, including cyclone Ditwah. Multi-faith observances were conducted by religious dignitaries representing the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Islamic faiths. Independence Day messages of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath were read in Sinhala, Tamil, and English languages, by Embassy staff.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Manisha Gunasekera extended the Government’s deep appreciation and gratitude to the Sri Lankan community in France for their generous and heartfelt contribution to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in the immediate aftermath of cyclone Ditwah. Detailing the Government’s commitment to rebuilding Sri Lanka through a medium- to long-term national plan of action, the Ambassador also conveyed appreciation for the support extended by the French Government, the European Union, and UNESCO. She highlighted key developments in the Sri Lanka–France bilateral partnership over the past year, noting the positive momentum generated through high-level engagements at presidential and prime ministerial levels; the strengthening of trade, investment, and tourism ties, including flagship partnerships such as Michelin and Orange Marine; and the synergetic role of the Sri Lankan business community in France in deepening bilateral economic cooperation.
Member of the France–Sri Lanka Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, Christine Engrand, addressed the gathering as Guest of Honour from the French Parliament. Hon. Engrand reflected on her long-standing personal connection with Sri Lanka, a country which she first visited in 1996, and has since visited over a dozen times. Highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions, she shared personal memories of the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity. She praised the resilience and fortitude of the Sri Lankan people, and extended her best wishes to Sri Lanka for a bright and prosperous future on its 78th Independence Day.
The Guest of Honour from the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director David Péneau, Head of the South Asia Division in the Directorate for Asia and the Indian Ocean, referred to the multifaceted nature of the France–Sri Lanka partnership, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. Highlighting cooperation in climate action and ocean affairs, he commended Sri Lanka’s role as a founding member in contributing to the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction in January 2026, marking a historic milestone in ocean governance. He also underscored cooperation in the Indian Ocean and maritime domain, and praised the Sri Lankan diaspora in France as a valued contributor to strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
The celebrations were further enriched by a vibrant cultural programme reflecting Sri Lanka’s pluralistic, multicultural, and inclusive social fabric. Performances included a Kandyan and folk fusion dance by the Thisaravi Dance Academy; Bharata Natyam recitals Pushpanjali and Kavadi by the Gurukshetra Academy; a modern interpretation of Lee Keli dance choreographed by the Sridesi Dance Academy; and a majestic traditional Ves dance by the Thala Dance Academy. Patriotic songs were beautifully rendered by children of the Our Lady of Lanka Catholic Community Association, and staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in France. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem in Tamil.
Following the ceremonial proceedings, Dana was offered to the Maha Sangha and religious dignitaries. The celebrations concluded with a reception featuring traditional kiribath, Sri Lankan sweetmeats, and Ceylon Tea. Over 350 invitees participated in the event, marking a memorable day of unity, harmony and national pride.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Paris, France
11th February 2026
