Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo on Saturday observed the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due fervor and festivities. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa and Madame Shiranthi Rajapaksa joined the National Day reception hosted by the High Commission in a manifestation of the goodwill between the two countries, said a press release.  This year’s observance in Sri Lanka had special significance as on 4th March 2022, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka marked 50 years of their diplomatic relations. The reception was attended by a large number of high dignitaries including Speaker of the Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, top political leaders, Heads of Diplomatic Missions as well as professionals, business leaders and Bangladesh community members.  Minister for Industry S.B. Dissanayake, and State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya were among the ministers present. While addressing the guests, High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam conveyed greetings and shared happiness on 50 years of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations.  READ: Resolution marking 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence introduced in US House The guest of honour, Industries Minister expressed goodwill for Bangladesh and its people and wished for further deepening of bilateral relations between the two countries.  The Prime Minister joined the High Commissioner and Minister for Industries in cutting a cake - wishing long-lasting friendship between the two countries.        Earlier, the day-long celebration commenced in the morning with the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag at the Chancery by High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam.  Then one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs of the War of Liberation.  It was followed by placing of floral wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; reading out of messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs; and offering of special prayers seeking eternal peace for the martyrs, Father of the Nation and his martyred family members as well as continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.  A documentary on the day was also screened. Taking part in the open discussion on the significance of the Day, the speakers paid rich tribute to Bangabandhu and reflected on the history of the War of Liberation. High Commissioner Tareq paid deep homage to the Father of the Nation, the martyrs, valiant freedom fighters, heroic women as well as the foreign friends and friendly foreign nations who supported Bangladesh’s War of Liberation.  He also highlighted Bangladesh’s development journey under the pragmatic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Special supplements were published in the Daily Mirror and the Financial Times, the top two English dailies of Sri Lanka and also on some online news portals.