Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga Attends Bastille Day Ceremony in Buis-les-Baronnies, France
BUIS-LES-BARONNIES, France — July 18, 2026
The picturesque Provençal village of Buis-les-Baronnies celebrated France’s National Day with a ceremony honouring the dedication and service of its volunteer firefighters, bringing together local officials, residents, and an internationally recognised guest.
Held in Place du Quinconce, the event paid tribute to the volunteer firefighters of the Buis-les-Baronnies Fire and Rescue Centre, recognising their commitment to protecting the local community. The ceremony began with the traditional raising of the French flag, followed by the presentation of new ranks to several firefighters in recognition of their professionalism and continued service.
The event was attended by the town’s mayor, members of the municipal council, elected representatives, community partners, local residents, and former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, whose presence added an international dimension to the celebration.
A Historic Village in the Heart of Provence
Nestled in the Drôme department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, Buis-les-Baronnies is located approximately 650 kilometres south of Paris, a journey of around six and a half to seven hours by road, or about four to five hours by high-speed train and regional connections. Surrounded by the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park, the village is renowned for its olive groves, lavender fields, medieval streets, limestone cliffs and Mediterranean climate. It is regarded as one of the cultural and natural gems of Provence, attracting visitors throughout the year for its heritage, outdoor activities and traditional markets.
Chandrika Kumaratunga’s Longstanding Connection with France
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who served as the fifth Executive President of Sri Lanka from 1994 to 2005, has maintained a longstanding relationship with France. During her years in exile in the 1970s, she pursued higher education in Paris, studying Political Science and Development Economics at the University of Paris (Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne), where she became fluent in French.
France later recognised her contribution to strengthening Franco-Sri Lankan relations by awarding her the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, the country’s highest national order of merit. The distinction acknowledged her efforts in promoting democratic values, international cooperation and the enduring friendship between France and Sri Lanka.
Her attendance at the Bastille Day ceremony reflected not only her personal ties with France but also the close cultural and historical links that continue to unite the two countries.
Volunteer firefighters remain at the heart of France’s emergency response system, particularly in rural communities where they provide essential services and respond to fires, accidents and natural disasters. Bastille Day ceremonies across the country traditionally recognise their dedication while celebrating the values of public service, solidarity and national unity.
The official proceedings concluded with a reception hosted by the municipality, allowing firefighters, elected officials, residents and guests to gather in a spirit of friendship and civic pride.
As France celebrated its National Day, the ceremony in Buis-les-Baronnies demonstrated how local traditions can also become moments of international significance, bringing together community service, history and diplomacy in one shared celebration.
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