In a vibrant celebration of tradition and community, nearly 2,000 Sri Lankans and Romanian friends gathered at the iconic Hala Laminor in Bucharest to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year 2025. The Festival brought together Sri Lankan expatriates, families, and friends across Romania—from Bucharest to the farthest provinces for a joyous day filled with Sri Lankan culture, games, music, and cuisine.
Organized for the second consecutive year by Managing Director of Sri Lanka Lion Path Solutions Shane Kollure, and his dedicated team—with the full support of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Romania—this year’s Avurudu celebration was hailed as the biggest Sri Lankan gathering for a traditional festival in Romania’s recent history.
From traditional rituals and lively Avurudu games to cultural dances and a dazzling musical showcase, the event created a strong sense of belonging. Attendees took part in cherished games such as pillow fights, tug o’ war, sack races, lime & spoon races, balloon bursting, and the ‘Avurudu Kumara & Kumariya’ contests. A feast of Sri Lankan “kevili” (traditional sweets) and home-style meals kept the crowd energized and nostalgic.
The celebration climaxed with stunning cultural performances by the Sri Thale Dancing Group, and a grand musical showcase that lit up the evening with rhythm, dance, and national pride.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania Madurika Joseph Weninger attended as the Chief Guest. She praised the organizers for uniting the community and creating a space for Sri Lankan children to experience the beauty of their roots. The Ambassador also highlighted the significance of having a newly established Sri Lankan Embassy in Bucharest, eliminating the need for citizens to travel abroad for consular services. The Ambassador also made it an opportunity to warmly invite the community members to approach the Embassy with any of their concerns and reaffirmed the mission’s dedication to supporting Sri Lankans in Romania.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
23 April 2025
