Sri Lanka took center stage at the recently held Asian Cultural Festival at the renowned “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum in Bucharest, Romania. Organized in collaboration with a host of Asian Embassies, the day-long celebration of cultural diversity captivated the visitors with a rich mosaic of tradition, performance, and intercultural exchange.
The festival brought together diplomatic missions across the Asia, including India, China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam. Together, these nations offered a unique platform to honour the region’s cultural wealth and historical ties.
A highlight of the festival was the Fashion Show, where Sri Lanka presented its traditional attire — a striking fusion of grace, heritage, and textile artistry. Flowing handloom sarees, the distinctive osariya, the Redda Hatte (a traditional wrap-around cheeththa cloth paired with a fitted blouse), and men’s sarongs in vibrant hues captivated the audience, reflecting the island’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving its rich handloom legacy. Romanian models, elegantly adorned in these ensembles, carried them with poise and dignity, drawing warm applause from the diverse and appreciative crowd.
Visitors were also treated to tastings of world-renowned Ceylon tea, complemented by captivating displays of Ceylon spices — celebrated globally for their depth of flavour and culinary richness — and aromatic Ceylon coffee, which is steadily reclaiming its place on the international stage. The Sri Lanka booth also featured Ayurvedic wellness products and artisanal handicrafts, underscoring the island’s enduring legacy as a hub of natural healing, gastronomic heritage, and sustainable craftsmanship.
The Asian Cultural Festival attracted a significant crowd, including distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, Romanian officials, media representatives, and the general public. The event was officially inaugurated by the Dean of the Asian Group in Romania, the Ambassador of Indonesia, and the Secretary of State for Strategic and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Ana Cristina Țincă. In their remarks, they highlighted the vital role of cultural diplomacy in fostering meaningful connections and mutual understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
18 September 2025
