The official ceremony commenced with the National Flag being hoisted by H.E. Ambassador Oshadhi Alahapperuma amidst the beating of ‘Magul Bera’ followed by the recital of the National Anthem. The Traditional Oil Lamp was lit by the Ambassador, staff members and members of the Sri Lankan community.

Two minutes of silence was observed in remembrance of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Sri Lanka. Minister Counselor Mr. S.B. Wijekoon held a welcome speech, after which the religious observances of Buddhist, Hindu and Islam were conducted by the most Venerable Kirindigalle Dhammaratana Nayaka Thero, the Chief incumbent of the Stockholm Buddhist Vihara and the Nayaka Thero of Scandinavian countries, who also spoke about the significance and value of independence and the responsibility of the citizen; Chief Priest Mohan of Sweden Ganesha Temple and Immam Yusuf Mulim respectively.

Venerable Watapana Pannarathana Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Stockholm Tapovana Temple and Venerable Mathale Dammakanda Thero of the Stockholm Buddhist Vihara also joined the Buddhist religious observances.

The National Day Messages of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read by the Ambassador, Mr. S.B. Wijekoon and Mr. Geshan Dissanayake, Third Secretary (Commercial) of the Embassy. The Tamil translations of the Messages were read by Mrs. Prabha Shanmugabalan.

Adressing the gathering, Ambassador Alahapperuma stated that Sri Lanka is heading towards a new era of development under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He said that responsibility lies on all Sri Lankans, irrespective of their ethnicity, to protect and keep united Mother Sri Lanka.