The Sri Lanka High Commission in Kuala Lumpur celebrated Deepavali at the High Commission premises on 04th November 2011 with a gathering of representatives of all communities living in Malaysia and mainly the Tamil community. Deepavali is the most significant festival celebrated by the Hindu Tamil community in Malaysia.
The colorful event was attended by around hundred and fifty participants including a cross-section of the Sri Lanka origin as well as Indian origin Malaysian Tamil community and representatives of the Sri Lanka related associations.
This event was held following a decision taken by the High Commission to commemorate the main religious and cultural events of all communities in Sri Lanka. So far, similar ceremonies were held to commemorate the Wesak Poya Day in May and Ramadan in October.
The Acting High Commissioner Major General Lalith Daulagala, in his remarks at the ceremony, briefly highlighted the significance of Deepavali or the Festival of Lights and how the diversity and variety of the cultures of different communities in Sri Lanka enriches the lives of the people of the country today. He read the Deepavali message of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka and whished everyone a new year of happiness. The Vice President of FOMSO (Federation of Malaysian Sri Lankans Organization), Mr. Gnanarajah, too, addressed the gathering on behalf of their Organization. The attractions of the ceremony included a peacock dance item by the dancers of the Temple of Fine Arts of Malaysia and a medley dance from Lasya Arts, Malaysia. The buffet dinner served included an array of sumptuous Asian dishes.
The events of this nature help expatriate Sri Lankans and Sri Lankan origin community of all races and religions to appreciate respective cultures of the motherland and demonstrate the continued unity amongst Sri Lankans.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
08th November 2011
