The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, in collaboration with the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW), hosted an evening reception on 31 May 2024 at the Embassy premises in Washington D.C., promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination among AAFSW members and other guests including senior officials from the US State Department, White House and USAID.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. Mahinda Samarasinghe, in his speech, recalled that relations with the United States go back further than the 76 years of formal diplomatic ties established after Sri Lanka’s independence. He recalled the work of American missionaries in the North of the country in the 1800s, the service rendered by Colonel Henry Steel Olcott who helped to revive Buddhism in the late 19th Century and the first Governor of the post-independence Central Bank of Ceylon John Exter. He remarked that the United States was helpful in enabling the IMF Programme to aid in recovery of the Sri Lankan economy after the severe economic challenges in 2022. The Ambassador also pointed out that the economic recovery was acknowledged as a miracle by many.
The Embassy showcased the main tourist attractions of the country through a vivid photographic exhibition of colorful photographs depicting the ancient cultural heritage, natural beauty with a special emphasis on wild life and the people of Sri Lanka, received by courtesy of the "America - Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles" and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Tourist-oriented videos portraying pristine beaches, and green mountain landscapes were screened at the event highlighting Sri Lanka's wide ranging tourism-related activities from adventure and wellness to wildlife.
The talents of the troupe of "Ceylon Bera" enthralled the crowd with the rhythms of Sri Lanka accompanied by instrumental music. A traditional dance recital showcased the talents of “Lanka Dance Academy” directed by Lanka Mudannayake, which captivated the attendees. Dances in both up-country and low-country styles that depicted Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage were performed. A Bharathanatyam dance performance that depicts the culture of the Tamil community along with other traditional dancing forms from the Southern part of the country was performed by Achila Perera emphasizing the vibrant diversity of Sri Lankan culture.
Attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine enriched with the flavours of Ceylon spices prepared by a reputed Sri Lankan restaurant “ Sigiri” who also provided delicious hoppers prepared at a “live station”.
The Embassy made arrangements to serve all the visitors with a sampling of freshly brewed hot and iced Ceylon tea sponsored by Basilur (Sri Lanka) and QTrade Teas & Herbs (California, USA) at a specially set up tea corner that enabled the visitors to enjoy different types of tea.
The event concluded with a raffle draw offering prizes that included a return air ticket to Colombo from Washington DC sponsored by the Sri Lankan Airlines GSA in New York and complimentary hotel packages for stays in reputed hotels in Sri Lanka from Thema Collection Hotels and Theva Residency Boutique Hotel Kandy.
The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide (AAFSW), which was established in 1960, is a membership-based association within the American Foreign Affairs Community, including Foreign Service and Civil Service employees, spouses, partners, members of their households and retirees. The AAFSW promotes the goals and serves the needs of the community through advocacy, outreach, awards, scholarships, services, and networking events.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
04 June 2024
