Sri Lanka’s culture, food, products and tourist attractionswere brilliantly showcased at the U.S. Army War College International Fellows aroundthe World 2012 held at the Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania on Saturday (Jan 21). The event was organized by the “International Fellows”- the bodyof overseas students currently following academic programs at the college.
A group of American students andprofessors from the University of Dubuque in Iowa arrived in Sri Lanka recentlyas environmental tourists, taking part in a curriculum that includes a two-weekfield course in Sri Lanka. The visit is part of an effort to broadeneducational exchanges between Sri Lanka and the United States which in turnwill lead to an expansion of research opportunities for students in bothcountries.
Welcoming the Indian Minister of External Affairs S.M. Krishna to Sri Lanka, Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris emphasized the deep rooted friendship and historical ties which exist between the two countries, and elaborated that Sri Lanka and India are bound to each other geographically and in terms of their economies, which have stood the test of time.
Sri Lankan Americans gathered at the Embassy of Sri Lanka here Friday, Jan. 13, to take part in Thai Pongal, the harvest festival that celebrates the sun, the fruits of the earth and the renewal of the spirit. Guests including officials from the US State Department filled the embassy’s salon for the traditional celebration of giving thanks for the harvest. Swami Sivanatha Kurukkal offered Hindu prayers, performed the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and also presented the offering of Pongal to Lord Ganesh and Deities.
Sri Lanka Ambassador to the United States His Excellency Mr. Jaliya Wickramasuriya and the staff of Sri Lanka Embassy, organized a “Sath Budhu Wandana” Buddhist religious ceremony on Saturday (Jan 7) at the Sri Lanka Residence, Washington DC.
As the New Year dawns we look forward to the future with much hope and enthusiasm brought about by firm resolution, commitment and good expectations for the country. Thus the joy of the New Year would be equally shared by all, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his New Year message. The message said, ‘In the [...]
Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Assalamu Alaikum and Happy New Year !
It is my great privilege to offer best wishes to you as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States. It gives me even greater pleasure to do this today because 2011 was such a groundbreaking year for our motherland. I know 2012 will only be better.
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SRI LANKANS CELEBRATE THE HINDU HARVEST FESTIVAL OF THAI PONGAL
Swami Sivanatha Kurukkal (left) and Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya during the Thai Pongal 2012 celebration
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SRI LANKANS CELEBRATE THE HINDU HARVEST FESTIVAL OF THAI PONGAL
A Tamil Community member prepares Pongal Kolam with the Staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka for Thai Pongal 2012
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SRI LANKANS CELEBRATE THE HINDU HARVEST FESTIVAL OF THAI PONGAL
Guests observe Thai Pongal at the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington, DC
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SRI LANKANS CELEBRATE THE HINDU HARVEST FESTIVAL OF THAI PONGAL
(From left) Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Swami Sivanatha Kurukkal and Deputy Chief of Mission Esala Weeerakoon at the Embassy of Sri Lanka’s Thai Pongal celebration
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SRI LANKANS CELEBRATE THE HINDU HARVEST FESTIVAL OF THAI PONGAL
Mrs. J. Ranganathan describes the “significance of Thai Pongal” to guests of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington, D.C.
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HOLIDAY RECEPTION HOSTED BY SRI LANKA EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON DC
Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya chats with Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.,), Mrs. Priyanga Wickramasuriya and daughter Sarindee Wickramasuriya during a holiday reception for diplomats and Washington official at the ambassador’s residence.
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HOLIDAY RECEPTION HOSTED BY SRI LANKA EMBASSY
Guests gather for holiday remarks during a reception at the residence of Sri Lankan Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya in Washington.
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HOLIDAY RECEPTION HOSTED BY SRI LANKA EMBASSY
Mr. Ashley Wills (left), a former U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka and Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya (middle) with another guest during a holiday reception at the Sri Lanka Residence
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HOLIDAY RECEPTION HOSTED BY SRI LANKA EMBASSY
Sri Lankan-American Christians gather to celebrate Christmas at the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington, D.C.
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HOLIDAY RECEPTION HOSTED BY SRI LANKA EMBASSY
Sri Lankan Deputy Chief of Mission Asela Weerakoon (left) and Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya (far right), present a Christmas gift to Father Percival D’Silva during a Christmas celebration at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington.
Sri Lanka is an island of no great size, yet it has an extraordinary number of facets. As Sir Arthur C Clarke remarked: “The Island of Sri Lanka is a small universe; it contains as many variations of culture, scenery, and climate as some countries a dozen times its size . . . I find it hard to believe that there is any country which scores so highly in all departments – which has so many advantages and so few disadvantages.” Lovely beaches, beautiful landscapes, impressive ruins, a vibrant culture and charming people.
| Official name: | Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka |
| Government type: | republic |
| Location: | Latitude 5° 55. to 9° 50. north, longitude 79° 42. to 81° 52., 650km north of the equator |
| Dimensions: | 430km north to south, 225km east to west |
| Coastline: | 1,340km |
| Area: | 65,525km2 |
| Currency (code): | Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) |
| Independence: | 4 February 1948 |
| Administrative capital: | Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Commercial capital: | Colombo |
| Administrative divisions: | 9 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western, Eastern Province. |
| Climate: | Typically tropical, with a northeast monsoon (December to March) bringing unsettled weather to the north and east, and a southwest monsoon (June to October) bringing bad weather to the south and west |
| Terrain: | Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior |
| Highest mountain: | Pidurutalagala, 2,524m |
| Highest waterfall: | Bambarakanda, 263m |
| National Flower | The Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata). |
| National parks and nature reserves area: | 8,000sq.km |
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Telephone Nos
(202) 483 4025 - 26
(202) 352 0355 (Emergencies/After hours)
Fax Nos
(202) 232 7181
slembassy@slembassyusa.org
