| President
Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message of felicitation, to Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her 80th birthday, admired
how the Queen had presided over the process of transforming
the British Empire into the emerging Commonwealth of
Nations and said, “That momentous process provided
both an inspiration and an impetus for the worldwide
process of decolonization, which we saw in the ensuring
years.”
The Queen celebrates
two birthdays each year, her actual birthday (April
21) and her "official" birthday (celebrated
June 17). The tradition of having an "official"
birthday for the sovereign began when monarchs born
in winter were prevented from having parades due to
cold and wet weather. King Edward VII, born on Nov.
9, 1841, was the first sovereign to mark his official
birthday on a day that wasn't his actual birthday.
Queen Elizabeth continues
this tradition. She celebrates her real birthday privately
with friends and family; her official birthday is marked
by ceremonies at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen ascended the
throne on Feb 6, 1952 following the death of her father
King George the VI.
[Full text of the President’s
message]
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace
London
Your Majesty,
On behalf of the Government
and people of Sri Lanka I wish to congratulate and share
our joy with Your Majesty on the happy occasion of your
80th birthday.
During your long and
distinguished reign, we in the Commonwealth have witnessed
how Your Majesty so admirably presided over the process
of transforming the British Empire into the emerging
Commonwealth of Nations. That momentous process provided
both an inspiration and an impetus for the worldwide
process of decolonization, which we saw in the ensuring
years.
Today, we in the Commonwealth
encompass a geographical spread across the globe, embracing
a variety of ethnicities, religions and cultures. The
amalgam of all this is a distinctive Commonwealth ethos,
which I believe has particular relevance in today’s
world, in which Your Majesty must take particular pride.
Your Majesty’s
reign has witnessed growing bonds of close cooperation
between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. We in Sri
Lanka were honoured to receive you as a State Guest
on two occasions and recall how these visits helped
strengthen the close and friendly ties between our two
countries.
I wish to avail myself
of this significant milestone in Your Majesty’s
life to convey to you the sincere greetings and good
wishes of my Government and people for long life, health
and happiness.
Accept, Your Majesty,
the assurances of my highest consideration.
Mahinda
Rajapaksa
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