Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe inaugurated an exhibition of photographs and artwork by artists of Sri Lankan heritage Chetana Senadhira (photographer) and Thushara Jayatilaka (artist) on 23 March 2024. The exhibition titled ‘Sri Lanka Through Lens and Brush’ was inaugurated by the Ambassador who addressed the gathering and referred to Ms. Senadhira and Jayatilaka as true Ambassadors of Sri Lanka. He said their activities facilitated people-to-people exchange and understanding that supplemented and strengthened formal multilateral and bilateral diplomatic relations. The two artists are Sri Lankan-Americans and both are hearing impaired.
Ambassador Samarasinghe recalled with appreciation the efforts of American nationals who had contributed to Sri Lanka, especially in the religious, cultural, health and education sectors, since the 19th Century. He also added that many Sri Lankan migrants had contributed much to the United States in diverse fields over the years assimilating into and enriching the American way of life. He lauded ongoing social and cultural exchange as beneficial and said it would help build stronger ties between the nations.
The exhibition was organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Center, situated in Bethesda, Maryland. The event was hosted by Director of the Center Srimathi Karuna. Chetana and Thushara are enthusiastic artists whose returns are shared with the hearing impairment community in Sri Lanka. Several persons with special needs, diplomats and staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka and members of the Sri Lankan community also participated in the event.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
28 March 2024
