The Colombo hotel hosted a celebration of India's independence on August 15, bringing together staff and guests for a ceremonial flag hoisting and cultural programme.

ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo organised a flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15 to commemorate India's 80th Independence Day. The morning event featured the raising of the Indian national flag by Keenan McKenzie, the hotel's Area Manager for Sri Lanka and General Manager, followed by the playing of the national anthem and cultural performances.

According to the hotel, the celebration was designed to reflect India's journey as a nation, highlighting its historical resilience, cultural diversity, and heritage. The event brought together hotel guests and members of the ITC Ratnadipa team, creating what organisers described as a moment of shared respect and unity.

In remarks at the event, McKenzie emphasised the significance of the occasion for an Indian hospitality organisation operating abroad. He noted that the celebration served to honour India's independence while simultaneously recognising the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. McKenzie stated that such occasions underscore the connection between the two nations and their shared values of peace and cultural appreciation.

The hotel positioned the event as reflective of broader ties between the two South Asian neighbours, suggesting that cultural celebrations of this nature contribute to strengthening people-to-people bonds across the region.