The staff of the Sri Lankan Embassy accompanied by families and students participated in the Annual Asian Bazaar & Cultural Gala jointly organized by the Asian Ladies Association (ALA) and Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) at the Friendship House in Havana on 27th April 2016 amid a large gathering of Cuban dignitaries, Diplomats, friends, and well-wishers. President of ICAP, Kenia Serano and Director /Asia & Oceania, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Miguel Angel Ramirez graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour respectively.
The festival was declared open after a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the President of the Asian Ladies Association & wife of the Sri Lankan Ambassador, Ramanika Dissanayake, ICAP President, Kenia Serano and ladies representing 14 Asian Embassies in Cuba.
Delivering the welcome speech, President of ALA, Ramanika Dissanayake emphasized the importance of promoting Asian Unity and Diversity so as to showcase Asia’s unique culture, food, fashion, values and customs and people to people relations through public diplomacy initiatives. While appreciating the invaluable contribution extended by the Asian Embassies and Asian ladies for the success of this worthy endeavor, she also spoke highly of the excellent relations enjoyed by Cuba and Asia that characterize the long standing friendship and solidarity between the two entities and their peoples. In her brief remarks, President of ICAP, Kenia Serano underscored the strength and vitality of peoples’ power for peace, stability and socio economic renaissance of countries around the world.
Among others, Sri Lankan dance and culinary presentations attracted large crowds. In particular, the up country and low country dancing acts performed by Sri Lankan artists received a loud applause whilst those who tasted the Sri Lankan culinary dishes served at the Embassy stall admired their unique taste for what they are worth. The funds raised from the Bazaar and the raffle draw will be utilized for worthy causes.
The Asian Bazaar & Gala which was held for the second consecutive year proved to be a resounding success and has become an annual feature for the Asian Embassies in Cuba.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Havana, Cuba
27th April 2016
