The Sri Lankan New Year celebrations were held in Tokyo’s Chofu city on Sunday, 14th April with a large gathering of over 5000 Sri Lankan and Japanese community members from all parts of Japan who participated at the occasion, which was held for the 24th consecutive occasion. The Chief Guest at the opening ceremony was Hon.Yoshiki Nagatamo, Mayor of Chofu City.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda stressed the importance of national events of this nature to promote Sri Lanka’s national unity and traditions in foreign nations in addition to strengthening bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka through such cultural exchanges. The event was also highlighted as an ideal opportunity for Sri Lankans to gather and participate as a community in upholding cultural traditions.
The celebrations comprised Sri Lankan traditional games, Sri Lankan and Japanese cultural and musical performances and authentic Sri Lankan food. The Avurudu Celebrations also comprised of the Avurudu Kumari competition where Japanese and Sri Lankan candidates participated in the event.
The celebrations were organized in joint collaboration with the Sri Lankan Associations, Volunteer Organisations, The New Year Committee and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Tokyo
17th April 2013
