The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Oslo and Sri Lankan Friends Foundation of Norway in Oslo jointly celebrated the Pongal Day on 19th January 2014 at the Ambassador’s Residence in Oslo.
The Pongal Day event began with addresses by Ambassador of Sri Lanka, Mr. Musthafa M Jaffeer, Mrs. Renuka Wijesekara, President of Sri Lanka Friends Foundation of Norway, Mr. Thangavel Premaraj, Secretary of Sri Lanka Friends Foundation of Norway and religious leaders..
Shri Nitheyanatha Sarma, Kurukal of Sri Kanapathi Durga Temple in Oslo, in his address to the gathering said that the Pongal celebration, which is a thanks giving day to the Sun God, is celebrated as a cultural event, not only by Hindu people, but by all Tamil community. He expressed confidence that the event in Oslo, would pave the way for bringing reconciliation and unity among Sri Lankan community members in Norway.
Ven. Marathugoda Manirathana Thero of Buddhist Vihara stressed the importance of friendship and understanding among Sri Lankan community in Oslo and expressed his appreciation to the organizers for bringing all three community members together through this event.
Ambassador, Jaffeer in his address, urged the gathering to work for building unity and understanding among the community in order to bring peace and prosperity for all people in the motherland. He also appreciated the work of Sri Lanka Friends Foundation of Norway for its efforts towards this objective.
In the cultural event that followed Ambassador’s speech, Miss. Selvaratnam Brinda, Miss. Abida Ravi and Mr. Michael Anthony entertained the audience with variety of cultural performances.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Oslo
Norway
23rd January 2014
