The “Sri Lanka Day” celebrated on 4th December organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit attracted a large gathering of Sri Lankans and well-wishers from all walks of life amidst benefits and opportunities to all and sundry. The day which coincided with the Seva Vanitha Unit’s First Anniversary made the occasion all the more relevant for the Sri Lankan community with the accomplishments they have made toward the “Mother Lanka” and its people with charitable deeds.
Among other things, the 38 booths setup at the Embassy compound showcased Sri Lankan food, handicraft, garments, ornaments , games & entertainment while the services sector was represented by all leading Sri Lankan banks, airlines and cargo companies based in Kuwait. The cultural and dance items performed by a group of students mesmerized the audience in a lively atmosphere to the satisfaction of all.
The Embassy compound was transformed into a “makeshift exhibition and entertainment arena” for the occasion which was packed with visitors to its full capacity. The event was the “first of its kind in Kuwait” and paved the way for further strengthening and promotion of community related activities and services.
The days’ activities were patronized by a group of sponsors and well wishers who made use of this unique opportunity to promote their products and services to over 5000 visitors turned up at the venue within a span of just 5 hours. The day’s programme was commenced with the hoisting of the national flag followed by the singing of national anthem and the lighting of the oil lamp by honoured guests and invitees.
Delivering the welcome speech, the Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit Ramanika Dissanayake greeted those present in the audience and appreciated their commitment and support for a worthy cause benefiting needy children. She also outlined the significance of the “Sri Lanka Day” for the promotion of community links and opportunities for the Sri Lankans in Kuwait. The Chief Guest Sheikh Dr. Jaber Al-Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in his short message thanked the Sri Lankan Embassy for the invitation and spoke highly of the contribution by Sri Lankan community for Kuwait’s socio-economic development. He also announced a donation of 300 KD (Rs. 120,000/-) on that occasion towards the welfare of Sri Lankans. He wished the Sri Lankans in Kuwait a productive and pleasant stay.
Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake delivered the vote of thanks in which he praised the Sri Lankans and well wishers for being very supportive and generous of Embassy activities. He appealed to them to continue their worthy endeavours in a spirit of unity and harmony toward their fellow citizens.
The day’s programme ended with a raffle draw in which the winners have been awarded with valuable gifts. The Sri Lankan community appreciated the initiative taken by the Embassy in organizing a day for them to join their fellow countrymen in an atmosphere of peace and happiness that characterize the Sri Lankan identity and its rich heritage spanning over 2500 years.
Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait
December 10, 2009
