The High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi collaborated with the Delhi Commonwealth Women’s Association (DCWA), to co-host its Annual Charity Gala, at the ‘Sri Lanka House’ on 6 April 2024 to raise funds for the Organization’s social welfare projects.
Over its 71 years of existence, the DCWA has made a substantial impact on the lives of the less privileged sections of society through holistic development in healthcare, education, community services and child welfare for the less privileged in India. An important event in the New Delhi social calendar, the charity gala has been co-hosted by several diplomatic missions in the past, attracting the who’s who of New Delhi, as well as members of the extensive diplomatic community and international organizations based in this capital city.
Observing the two nations’ millennia-old historical and civilizational bonds, and ensuing commonalities spanning religion, linguistics, culture and attire, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Kshenuka Senewiratne remarked that through participation in the event, the High Commission also aimed to foster the people-to-people legacy between the two countries, going beyond the traditional realms of diplomacy and statecraft. She added that the two countries are also bound by the sari, and Sri Lanka is proud to have a vibrant apparel industry, and fabric crafted and nurtured by local artisans who have dedicated their lives to this endeavour.
DCWA Chairperson Sunitee Abbi underscored the work being carried out at the Organization’s multi-disciplinary Medical Centre in Delhi, which has treated over 2 million patients and supported the dreams of countless students, special needs children and young adults. She noted that DCWA raises funds solely through donations and events such as the Annual Charity Gala.
To lend a truly Sri Lankan atmosphere to the event, at the invitation of the High Commission, CEO and renowned Creative Designer of Buddhi Batiks Darshi Keerthisena showcased her new collection leaving the audience spellbound by her unique batik designs. Inquiries from Indian ventures for collaboration are afloat.
Magnanimously supporting the event, SriLankan Airlines provided a return air ticket to Sri Lanka, coupled with a hotel stay offered by ITC Hotels at their soon-to-be-launched flagship property in the heart of Colombo, the ITC Ratnadipa, as the first prize of the raffle draw. Jetwing Travels, George Steuart Travels and Esna Holidays also offered exciting hotel stays in Sri Lanka for the raffle winners.
The event also served to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive tourist destination, with the many attractive facets of the country on big screen display throughout the evening. Currently, India is the largest source market for tourism to Sri Lanka claiming approximately 20 percent of the country’s total tourist arrivals.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi
10 April 2024
