The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa was the Chief Guest at the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration organised by the Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple in Manila on 16 February 2026.
Highlight of the event was the Damma sermon, which was very well received. The event also hosted an art exhibition titled “Harmony in Co-existence, Everlasting Light & Hope” which brought together amateur, emerging, professional and celebrated Filipino artists in a shared creative space. The event also included a cultural show presenting Dragon & Lion Dance and performances by Guang Ming College students, Mabuhay Choir and Mabuhay Chinese School San Hao Children and solo song numbers. Auspicious noodles to mark the start of the New Year was at midnight and tokens and gifts were distributed to all attendees.
The event was attended by well over 500 including Embassy Staff and many Filipino-Sri Lankans.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Philippines
19 February 2026
