Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe participated at the 'Sri Lanka Day' organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Washington D.C. (SLAWDC), which took place on Saturday, 07th September 2024 at Pinecrest Local Park in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The event, attended by a large number of Sri Lankans and Sri Lankan origin Americans, featured various activities such as showcasing Sri Lankan culture, traditional and contemporary cuisine, as well as sports including cricket and netball for both males and females, in addition to athletic games. The event also included a vibrant fashion show presenting Sri Lankan traditional costumes while troupes performed cultural dancing, and drumming, all of which captivated nearly 1000 spectators. The event also featured a career counseling stall, a dentistry health clinic, and an eye care clinic, to provide complimentary services to attendees.
In attendance at the event were Aruna Miller, the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Second in Command to the Governor of Maryland and former Congressman John Delaney along with his spouse April Delaney who is the Democratic candidate for the next Congress election to be held in November. The event symbolically commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by the rendition of the national anthems of Sri Lanka and the United States.
Ambassador Samarasinghe actively engaged with Sri Lankan vendors and community members, following the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp. The Embassy staff was present at the event and took an active part by fielding a cricket team and hosting a tea stall.
The event culminated in a gift and award ceremony, signifying a successful summer community event. Ambassador Samarasinghe expressed deep appreciation for the resolute dedication demonstrated by the Board of Directors of SLAWDC, under the leadership of President Nuwan Dharmabandu.
The mission of the SLAWDC is to provide a forum for its membership to promote social, cultural, educational, recreational and philosophical activities, and to support charitable and other non-political endeavors to benefit Sri Lankans and friends of Sri Lanka living in the United States of America. The Sri Lankan community's oldest social organization, SLAWDC in the national capital region was established in 1975 and is presently marking its 40th year of operation.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
10 September 2024
