The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh in collaboration with Sri Lanka Cultural Forum hosted a special event to mark Christmas. Held at the Embassy premises, the event saw the participation of diplomatic community and a large number of members of the Sri Lankan expatriates in Riyadh representing different faiths.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Professor Andreas Thecous were the guests of honor of the event. Senior diplomats from the Embassy of India and Japan also took part in the joyous occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad pointed out “Christmas symbolizes love, compassion, peace and harmony which are shared values of all the cultures and faiths in Sri Lanka”. Ambassador stressed that such cultural events would therefore promote mutual understanding among the members of the Sri Lankan communities of different faiths paving the way for peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. Ambassador also quoted teachings of such values from all four faith traditions practiced in Sri Lanka and urged the Sri Lankan community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join hands with the new Government of Sri Lanka led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake with a view to building our nation based on those values.

Over 800 Sri Lankans with their families that live in Riyadh, actively participated in the event while the children of Sri Lankan School in Riyadh performed cultural items highlighting the significance of Christmas.

First Secretary of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, Vindana Munasinghe,  Convener of the Sri Lanka Cultural Forum, Nihal Gamage and the Coordinator of the Christian community of the Cultural Forum, Niron Dissanayake coordinated the Christmas celebrations - 2024 in Riyadh.

At the end of the event Santa Claus distributed gifts among the children and a scrumptious dinner was served.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh

20 December 2024