Embassy of Sri Lanka took part in the 2018 Ha Noi International Women’s Club (HIWC) Charity Bazaar on 18 November 2018.
This Annual Charity Bazaar formed in 1986, is a non-profit organization that first started as an association of spouses of diplomats and later included other expat females living in Ha Noi as well. Currently it has nearly 300 members from over 40 countries. HIWC Bazaar is the largest annual fundraising event in Ha Noi aimed at supporting vulnerable women, youth and children in Viet Nam. Event drew over 10,000 visitors.
Stalls of companies selling handicrafts, traditional fabric-made cloths, designer clothes, cosmetics, jewellery, eco-products, Christmas décor, food & beverages stalls, over 34 country pavilions, children’s game area and continuous performances on a central stage were all part and parcel of the event. This year, on stage, Mr. Kavindu Hasaranga, a Sri Lankan student visiting Ha Noi, played traditional drums.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion had hoppers and tea to consume and also sold Ceylon tea in glass caddies, Ceylon Cinnamon, Ceylon black pepper and Sri Lankan handicrafts. In addition, Sunimal Handlooms, a Sri Lankan leading handloom and handicraft producer participated in the event on the invitation of the Embassy. They had a fine opportunity to introduce as well as to sell some of their products. Further, a Sri Lankan owned garment factory in northern Viet Nam also provided winter jackets to be sold for chairty.
The pavilion was decorated to promote Sri Lanka tourism and was acclaimed as the most colourful pavilion by many visitors.
The Sri Lankan Community, including students living in and around Ha Noi, also supported the staging of the Sri Lanka Pavilion.
After the bazaar, the Embassy also arranged several business meetings for Sunimal Handlooms to promote their products.
The money raised through the Bazaar was donated to HIWC for its charity projects.
