Westminster Abbey held the traditional Evensong in honour of Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence

Westminster Abbey held the traditional Evensong in honour of Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence on 3rd February 2023. The service, officiated by Reverend Robert Latham, Minor Canon and Sacrist, was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey. The Abbey has been the church for the Coronation of 39 British Monarchs since 1066 and the burial site of 18. The Coronation of King Charles III is to be held this year at Westminster Abbey on 6 May.

During service, blessings were bestowed on Sri Lanka, its leaders and people for peace, stability and prosperity. The Right Reverend Anthony Ball, Canon in Residence, gave the first lesson whilst the second lesson, the sixteenth verse of the twenty-eighth chapter of gospel according to Matthew was delivered by High Commissioner Saroja Sirisena. Sri Lanka’s national flag was kept aloft the Westminster Abbey in honour of the Evensong.

Staff of the High Commission and representatives of the British Sri Lankan community attended the service.