The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United States, in collaboration with the International Club of DC, hosted a vibrant evening reception on 6th September 2024 at the Embassy premises in Washington D.C., promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist and investment destination among US nationals during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. Members of the Club and special invitees attended the event.
Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, in his speech, welcomed the guests and invited them to enjoy the various attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer visitors. He went on to point out that the food, music, dances on display during the evening showcases the vibrant diversity that is Sri Lanka. The Ambassador adverted to the country’s multicultural, multilingual, multi-religious and multi-ethnic character, and its over 2,500 year history compared to the 245 years of US history and added that its unique geographical features and wildlife provides tourists with a rich and memorable experience. The Ambassador stated that Sri Lanka and the United States has developed strong bilateral relations that predates official Diplomatic relations established in 1948, and that the current levels of assistance and friendship were at a high point.
The Embassy showcased tourist attractions of the country with a photographic exhibition whilst screening tourist-oriented videos portraying pristine beaches, green mountain landscapes, and highlighting Sri Lanka tourism ranging from adventure and wellness to wildlife and ancient cultural attractions.
A cultural recital showcased the talents of “Serendib Dance Troupe” captivating the attendees. Dances of both up-country and low-country styles that depicted Sri Lanka’s rich traditional dance heritage were performed. The talents of the troupe of "Ceylon Bera" enthralled the crowd with the rhythms of Sri Lanka accompanied by instrumental music. A Bharathanatyam and Moksha dance performance representing the culture of the Tamil community performed by Achila Perera emphasizing the vibrant diversity of Sri Lankan culture.
The Embassy made special arrangements for saxophonist D. I. Senarathne to perform live music while Sri Lankan singer Sanjaya Nivunhella sang live Sri Lankan songs at the event adding further flavor.
Attendees were treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine enriched with the flavours of Ceylon spices prepared by a Sri Lankan chef with a live station, serving different types of fresh hoppers which was extremely popular.
VoyagX Tour Blue USA, owned by a Sri Lankan-American offered tourism packages, which caught the interest and attention of the visitors who were excited to explore the possibilities of visiting Sri Lanka.
The Embassy made arrangements to serve all the visitors 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.
In his vote of thanks, the President of the International Club of DC Sanjaya Hettihewa thanked the Ambassador and staff for joining hands with their organization. The International Club of DC offers international cultural experiences including art, music, dance, and theatre as well as the opportunity to sample culinary delicacies from around the world with their diverse membership of over 47,000 professionals representing over 90 countries and partner with over 80 embassies in Washington DC to present concerts, festivals, galas, and receptions.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
09th September 2024
