Consulate General of India

Jaffna

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PRESS RELEASE

1. The Consulate General of India celebrated the 74th Independence Day of India this morning (15 August, 2020) with Consul General Balachandran and Major General Fernando on behalf of the Jaffna Security Forces Commander paying respects at the IPKF Memorial in Palaly by laying a wreath. Following this, the Consul General hoisted the Indian flag at a function at the Consulate and read out the message of the President of India. The Consul General then spoke about the Government of India’s Self Reliance (Aatmnirbhar) Programme and its salient features.

2. As part of the programme, the students of the music class of the India Corner of the Consulate led by Mrs. Vachaspathy and the Contingent of the Border Security Forces sang patriotic songs. The celebrations concluded with the Consul General planting a sapling of a Na Tree (MesuaFerrea– The Ceylon Ironwood), the national tree of Sri Lanka at the Consulate premises. About 100 people, including the Consulate officials and their family members, Indian citizens, persons of Indian origin, friends of India and the media participated in the function.

3. Due to COVID-19 situation, the Independence Day was celebrated respecting the local health guidelines. The Consulate and the Jaffna Cultural Centre premises were illuminated to mark the Independence Day.

4. A few representative photographs are attached.

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Jaffna

15 August, 2020