Sri Lankans are often known as the 'smiling people' throughout the world. Our hospitality, humble nature and compassion have been carried on for generations. As a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, we believe in tolerance and harmony and we are striving to achieve both, even though we are far from home.
Our country celebrated its 61st Independence Day on February 4. In the UAE, the festivities continued on February 6 when Sri Lankans participated in the revelry at Al Wasl Hospital Ladies Club grounds.
It was very important for the Sri Lankan community in the UAE to include the younger generation in cultural events. Having grown up far away from their homeland, many children are losing touch with their heritage and language. Adults of any culture or community have a responsibility to imbibe unique qualities in their young ones.
Therefore, the day's programme saw children of the Sri Lankan community displaying their talents through a variety of cultural dances and patriotic songs.
The organisers made it a special occasion and involved children in order to provide them with a feeling of closeness to their culture and traditions. They will undoubtedly be the bearers of the Sri Lankan flag and take the country forward, to development and growth.
The Independence Day programmes were held along with parades and pageants. With a spirit of patriotism and national pride, the confidence of the Sri Lankan community in their homeland increases by the day. I believe that it is especially important for us to invest our hard-earned money in rebuilding the nation. The love and desire to help it is almost like the warmth one feels for one's mother.
This year's Independence Day celebrations were held in the backdrop of Sri Lanka taking a decisive stand to wipe out terrorism from the beautiful island. With a mission to live united, as one family without boundaries, the whole nation is looking forward to building a peaceful and harmonious Sri Lanka.
The reader is a telecommunications engineer based in Dubai.
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