MALAYSIANS IN COLOMBO AWAIT MERDEKA CHEER

COLOMBO, August 29, 2008 : There may be tension in some parts of Sri Lanka as a result of the prolonged insurgency but for the 100 or so Malaysians in this country, they have been counting the days to celebrate Merdeka or Independence Day on Sunday. Like at many other Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad, the celebrations in Colombo are expected to be modest due to cost-cutting.

But the embassy here has been preparing to hold a few activities to commemorate Merdeka.

“We are starting with a six-team futsal game tomorrow. Next week, a tourism travel mart and an education fair will be held in Colombo,” Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Rosli Ismail told Bernama.

Besides the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday in June, Merdeka Day is the other special day for the many Malaysians working here.

“We will be hosting a reception for foreign diplomats, government officials, business people and the media in Colombo,” Rosli said, adding that Malaysians living in Sri lanka would also be invited.

He said the Merdeka Day event would be a useful occasion to strengthen bilateral bies with Sri Lanka, which currently enjoys cordial relations with Malaysia.

“Relations are getting better, more visitors are going to Malaysia lately and there is lot of synergy among our leaders,” said Rosli.

In an island where life can be so painful for thousands of people due to civil war, Malaysians are seen as contributing in their own small way through good cheer during special occasions like Merdeka Day.