Sri Lankans in Singapore celebrated the Sinhala & Tamil New Year with a colourful cultural show on 14 April 2024 at PGP Hall, Singapore.
The event was jointly organised by the Mahakaruna Buddhist Society in Singapore and the Singapore Sinhala Buddhist Association under the patronage of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore. Over 500 participants including the diplomatic corps, multi-religious representatives, Singaporeans, and members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community attended the event. Senior Minister of State for the Defence of Singapore Heng Chee How graced the occasion as the chief guest while Ambassador of the USA Jonathan Kaplan and the High Commissioner of India Dr. Shilpak Ambule were guests of honour.
In keeping with the new year traditions, the celebrations commenced with lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake wished all Sri Lankans a Happy New Year. He appreciated the efforts made by the organizers to promote Sri Lankan culture by demonstrating its unique customs and values and relaying Sri Lankan traditions and values to the next generation. The High Commissioner highlighted the significant contributions made by the Sri Lankan expatriate community to many different sectors of Singapore’s multi-cultural society. He added that the Sri Lankan expatriate community has successfully blended with the local community in Singapore while adding colour to the cultural diversity of the country. High Commissioner Dissanayake complimented the host government for its spirit of commitment, which accommodates cultural diversity.
The New Year celebrations coincided with the 70th birthday of religious advisor of the Maha Karuna Buddhist Society Ven. Dr. K. Gunerathana Thero. Venerable Thero has been serving the community for the past four decades through a range of spiritual and welfare activities to enhance the well-being of the community while promoting Buddhist values in Singapore. The High Commissioner wished the venerable Thero long and healthy life enabling him to continue his valuable service to the community.
Traditional and fusion dance items and drums were performed by the artists flown from Sri Lanka as well as the members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community. The attendees were hosted to Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional avrudu sweetmeats.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Singapore
17 April 2024
