Sri Lanka’s National Crafts Council, with the assistance of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi, arranged the participation of Sri Lankan craftspersons and artistes at the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2013 from 1st – 15th February at Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana.
Sri Lankan craftspersons and artistes were among participants from over twenty other countries at the International Section of the Mela.
Though this is the fifth consecutive year that Sri Lanka is participating in this event, this year Sri Lanka was afforded the opportunity to stage a ‘Sri Lanka Day’ at this renowned Mela which has a daily attendance of over 100,000 people, including Indians and foreign tourists. Masks, Rush & Reed work, Lacquer ware, Ceramic ware, wooden toys, Batiks, etc. were among the items on display and sale at the Sri Lanka Stalls. Sri Lanka’s traditional sweets and tea were served at the Sri Lanka Tea Stall during the Mela. The Sri Lankan National Youth Services Council Cultural Troupe performed traditional dances throughout the Mela.
12th February was celebrated as the ‘Sri Lanka Day’ at the Mela. At the invitation of the organizers of the Surajkund Mela, High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam inaugurated the ‘Sri Lanka Day’. He was received by the dancers and performers of the Karnataka State which is the Theme State at the Mela this year. In celebration of the ‘Sri Lanka Day’, the Sri Lankan Cultural Troupe was accorded a special opportunity on 12 February to present performances throughout the day at the Open Air Theatre of the Mela ground.
Addressing the media at the Mela on ‘Sri Lanka Day’, High Commissioner Kariyawasam emphasized that high profile participation by Sri Lankan craftspersons and artistes at the Mela is a manifestation of the mutually close and friendly ties between Sri Lanka and India and in particular with the State of Haryana. It is a mutually beneficial initiative to promote traditional crafts and display cultural heritage and exchange of ideas between craftspersons of both countries. The High Commissioner invited Indians to visit Sri Lanka and enjoy first hand, the beauty and treasures that Sri Lanka has to offer; a sample of which is on display at the Mela.
Mr. Buddhi Keerthisena, Chairman, Sri Lanka National Crafts Council, Mr. Vijai Vardhan, Vice Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority & the Principal Secretary of Haryana, and Mr. Anand Mohan Sharan, Director General of Tourism of Haryana were associated at the ‘Sri Lanka Day’ events with High Commissioner Kariyawasam.
Sri Lanka High Commission
New Delhi
13th February 2013
