The Embassy of Sri Lanka, together with the Sri Lankan Hindu Community in the Kingdom of Bahrain, celebrated Deepavali at the Chancery premises, on 31 October 2024. The event marked a joyous occasion of cultural unity, bringing together members of the Sri Lankan community in Bahrain to celebrate the Festival of Lights that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and wisdom over ignorance.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by Hindu religious observances led by Mr. Sri Kanesh Alagan, who invoked blessings on those who were present on the occasion, as well as on Sri Lanka and its people.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Bahrain, H. M. G. R. R. K. Wijeratne Mendis welcomed the attendees, while extending warm wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity to all Sri Lankan Hindus and the broader community in Bahrain. The Ambassador also read out the Deepavali message of the President of Sri Lanka, which emphasized promoting harmony by bridging gaps between various segments of the society and creating a new cultural existence that embodies compassion and critical thought.
Minister and Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Madhuka Silva read out the Deepavali message of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which underlined the nation's journey of revival under the theme “Pohosath Ratak, Lassana Jeewithayak”. The gathering was also addressed by Mr. Pratheepan Rajasingham, a member from the Sri Lankan Hindu Community who highlighted the significance of Deepavali as an opportunity to foster unity and reinforce the shared values of harmony and mutual respect within the multicultural Sri Lankan community abroad.
At the close of the event the attendees were served with traditional Deepavali delicacies by the Embassy.
Deepavali celebrations initiated by the Embassy underscores its commitment to supporting cultural expressions and traditions that promote unity among Sri Lankans in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Manama
06 November 2024
