The Sri Lanka High Commission in London celebrated Deepavali festival on 20th November 2011 at the High Commission premises with the participation of a large number of the Sri Lankan Diaspora.
The event commenced with the lighting of traditional oil lamp. Hindu religious observances were conducted by Sivasri Ramanatha kurukkal who blessed His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, all Sri Lankans, High Commissioner and the staff.
His Excellency Dr. Chris Nonis, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka welcoming the gathering said Deepavali known as the “Festival of Light” brings hope and optimism to all mankind. He further said that the Sri Lankan Hindus are celebrating this festival with the dawn of peace after the eradication of terrorism which affected all communities. The High Commissioner further said that he would like all Sri Lankans living in the United Kingdom to consider the High Commission as their home and said that its doors are open for all races and religions. He reminisced about his visit to Jaffna when he was six years old with his parents. He recalled his vivid memories of visiting the Nallur Festival, Kayts, sand dunes and a moonlit picnic with fishermen. Dr Nonis mentioned about his recent visit to Jaffna earlier this year and the investments made in Jaffna which will create employment opportunities for the youth. He invited the Diaspora to join the post conflict development efforts and to invest and be partners of Sri Lanka’s Renaissance.
Ms. Miti Desai, performed a traditional dance to entertain the gathering. At the end of the programme a reception was hosted with traditional food and sweets. The High Commission premises were decorated with flowers, rangoli and oil lamps. A large number of the expatriate Tamil Diaspora participated at the event.
Sri Lankan High Commission
London
28th November 2011
