The City of Angels celebrated the history and culture of the Sri Lankan, Korean and Ecuadorian communities in Los Angeles on Friday, August 9.
The Los Angeles City Council meeting began with a special presentation – which included a traditional drum performance – in recognition of the 79th anniversary of Korean Independence Day, officially observed on August 15.
Speakers from the Korean and Korean-American community pointed out that LA is home to the largest Koreatown in the world and that LA was the first U.S. city to recognize Korea as an independent country.
The Korean flag was raised at Los Angeles City Hall in August 1942, three years before the country officially gained independence. The flag-raising ceremony was broadcast worldwide and led to other cities and states following suit, a spokesman said.
The Los Angeles City Council also recognized Ecuador’s Independence Day, noting that Saturday, August 10, marks the 215th anniversary of the country’s independence, and recognized the cultural and economic contributions of the Ecuadorian community to Los Angeles.
In addition, the town hall came alive with music and dance in honor of Sri Lanka Day. Dancers in traditional Sri Lankan dress performed in the forecourt and the Sri Lankan flag was raised while attendees were treated to food from the South Asian country.
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Before the music and dancing began, the City Council recognized Dr. Walter Jayasinghe. The doctor, also known as “Dr. Jay,” founded the Sri Lanka Foundation and the Los Angeles Medical Center Foundation, two nonprofit organizations that provide medical assistance to individuals and their families, said Council Member Heather Hutt.
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