The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Viet Nam organized a 3-day Cultural Fiesta in Ha Noi to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka and 48 years of Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam. This is the first time that the Embassy of Sri Lanka has organized a 3-day Cultural promotion event.
The event, which was organized in collaboration with the Women’s Museum in Ha Noi was supported by the Ha Noi Small and Medium Enterprises Association.
The event featured the exhibition of paintings on a Sri Lankan theme by famous Vietnamese artist Van Duong Thanh, sketches of Sri Lankan artist Vasantha Perera, a collection of Sri Lankan paintings depicting Sri Lankan temple art and modern art, photographs of international award winning Sri Lankan photographer Ravi Ranasinghe and photographs depicting bilateral relations. It also featured Sri Lankan food and beverages, free food sampling, saree draping, Sri Lankan documentary film screening, Sri Lankan product stalls of handicrafts and handloom-made items and crafts, batik, gem & jewellery, etc. The exhibition also had selected photographs by residents of Viet Nam who have visited Sri Lanka. Many Ambassadors, diplomats as well as Sri Lankan expatriates attended the event.
The Opening Ceremony of the fiesta was graced by Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka who was on an official visit to Viet Nam. Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Van Thao, Ambassador of Viet Nam to Sri Lanka Madam Pham Thi Bich Ngoc, Director of Viet Nam Women’s Museum Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Ha Noi Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Dr. Mac Quoc Anh, President of Viet Nam Intellectual Women’s Association Prof. Thi Tran Chu, Vice Chair Woman of the Viet Nam Women’s Union Ms. Thi Tuyet were present at the opening ceremony, representing Viet Nam.
During the inaugural address, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya spoke about the 48 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Viet Nam highlighting the friendship between the two countries in modern times.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Minister Nguyen Van Thao appreciated the organizing of an event of this nature promote cultural cooperation, which leads to understanding among people.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Director of Viet Nam Women speaking on the occasion expressed her pleasure for being able to offer the premises for the event and opportunity for collaboration.
Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Viet Nam Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake thanked all the collaborators who had contributed to make the event a success. Sri Lankan refreshments and tea were served to the invitees.
A travel book titled "Sun Rise in Sahara" by famous Vietnamese writer Di Li was launched at the event. This travel book contains a chapter on Sri Lanka. Di Li had visited Sri Lanka for 04 days in January this year and her visit had been facilitated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ha Noi. The book launch and the ensuing discussion moderated by the Ambassador of Palastine in Vietnam with the participation of eminent Sri Lankan writer Sunethra Rajakarunanayke and CEO & Managing Director of MAS Kreeda Sarinda Unamboowe, was attended by many journalists, writers as well as Di Li's fans.
During the three days of Fiesta over 500 persons visited the event.
