Sri Lanka Embassy in Cairo organized the celebrations of Sinhala – Tamil New Year at Abbasiya Central Sports Club, Cairo on Friday, 19th April 2013 with the support of the Sri Lankan community in Egypt.
The Celebrations commenced with hoisting the National Flag, playing Nation Anthem and lighting the traditional oil lamp. While thanking the well-wishers and members of the Sri Lankan community for their support to the success of the event, Ambassador Sudantha Ganegama Arachchi highlighted that the government under the directive of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President gives highest priority to ensure the welfare of Sri Lankan expatriates. He reiterated that the Embassy is always committed to extending every assistance possible for ensuring and promoting their welfare. Further, Ambassador Ganegama Arachchi specially appreciated the Sri Lankan community in Egypt for their immense contribution being made to the national economy by sending remittance to the country.
Traditional games became key feature of the celebrations. There were 20 traditional games including games for children. These games brought enthusiasm, nostalgic feelings and enjoyment to the participants and the audience alike. About 500 Sri Lankans were at the event throughout the day. One-day cricket tournament with nine teams was organized to coincide with the event. The teams were seen playing fascinating cricket as they had to go for higher scores within the limit of 5-overs allocated to a match. Each moment of these matches hardly passed without excitement and joy. The tournament ended with the team of Al Azhar University winning the trophy named “Sri Lanka Embassy-2013”. Towards the end of celebrations, evening musical show - “Saharave Tharu” (“Stars of Sahara”) was also held. It was presented by the Artist, Thushara Kuruwitage together with the singers from the Sri Lankan community in Egypt. The audience enjoyed and enlivened the musical evening by singing and dancing.
The Embassy also supported a group of Sri Lankans to organize another musical event on 26th April 2013 to raise funds for assisting disabled soldiers. The Artist, Thushara Kuruwitage and singers from the community performed at the event as a tribute to disabled soldiers. The proceeds will go for donating 10 wheel-chairs to the “Ranaviru Sevana”.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Cairo
27th April 2013
