Mahatma Gandhi in Sri Lanka : 150th birth anniversary celebrations

A series of events were held on October 2 to begin the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi. Many more events focusing on the life and philosophy of Gandhi would be organised during the next two years. Mahatma Gandhi traveled extensively in Sri Lanka during his visit in 1927.  

President Maithripala Sirisena held a special programme to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Presidential Secretariat. The High Commission of India has created a special video “Vaishnav Jana To”, a bhajan liked by Gandhi Ji, sung by popular Sri Lankan artists – Bhathiya, Santush and Umaria. The video was launched at the event by President Sirisena. The High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu gifted a portrait of Gandhi to President Sirisena who thanked the High Commissioner and announced that Gandhi’s portrait would be permanently displayed at the President’s office.  

As a tribute to Gandhi, special commemorative postal stamps were released by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees.  

High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu gifted a portrait of Gandhi  to President Sirisena who thanked the High Commissioner and announced  that Gandhi’s portrait would be permanently displayed at the  President’s office.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya launched a well-researched book in Sinhala on Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Sri Lanka, written by veteran journalist Mr. Sampath Bandara at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.  

A special musical performance by violin maestro Dr. L. Subramaniam and the National Leipaja Latvian Philharmonic Orchestra was held at Nelum Pokuna auditorium in the evening. The event was attended by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prof. Maithree Wickremesinghe, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe,  Leader of the Opposition R. Sampanthan, Governor Hemakumara Nanayakkara  and many other distinguished dignitaries from cultural, professional, academic and business areas.   

Iconic Colombo Municipal Town Hall was lit with special LED lights to showcase Gandhi’s images.