The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok together with the Sri Lanka Association in Thailand and the Sri Lankan students at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 20th April 2013 at the AIT grounds from 8.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
The daylong celebration began with the lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp and the singing of National Anthem.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Gen. Shantha Kottegoda, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Thailand stressed the importance of national events of this nature to promote Sri Lanka’s unity, traditions and the cultural identification in foreign nations in addition to strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand. He also expounded in detail the opportunities available for Sri Lankans to gather and participate as a community in upholding cultural values.
As a part of the festivities, a variety of sporting events including musical chairs, blowing of balloons, tug of war, pillow fights (Kotta Pora) and other fun activities were held. The participants who clad in national costumes enthusiastically took part in the New Year Beauty Queen contest.
The winners of all events were awarded valuable gifts including return air tickets with the courtesy of Sri Lankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Association in Thailand and the well-wishers of Sri Lanka.
