The Embassy of Sri Lanka opened its doors to more than 1,000 visitors May 14 as part of the Passport DC 2011 cultural tourism program.
[image title="pr_passptdc_20may11" size="full" id="2904" align="none" linkto="http://slembassyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/pr_passptdc_20may11.jpg" ] Sri Lankan Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya meets with guests at the Embassy of Sri Lanka, during the Passport DC embassy open house event in Washington, D.C. [image title="pr_passptdc_1_20may11" size="full" id="2906" align="none" linkto="http://slembassyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/pr_passptdc_1_20may11.jpg" ] A young girl tries on a sari with help from an employee at the Embassy of Sri Lanka during Washington, D.C.'s Passport DC open house of foreign embassies. [image title="pr_passptdc_2_20may11" size="full" id="2909" align="none" linkto="http://slembassyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/pr_passptdc_2_20may111.jpg" ] American visitors sample Ceylon tea during Passport DC, Washington, D.C.'s annual open house of foreign embassies. The Embassy of Sri Lanka opened its doors to more than 1,000 visitors May 14 as part of the Passport DC 2011 cultural tourism program. Visitors to the embassy tasted Sri Lankan cuisine and Ceylon tea, tried on saris and sarong and wrote their names in Tamil and Sinhalese. The embassy staff discussed current Sri Lankan developments and history with visitors, who also watched a Sri Lankan travel video. Sri Lanka’s embassy was festooned with lights, banners and flags to welcome its guests. Passport DC sponsors an annual “Around the World Embassy Tour” that functions as an open house for Washington DC’s foreign embassies. Participants in the popular program may stroll along the famed Embassy Row and visit dozens of embassies. Passport DC 2011 is an exploration through Washington, DC’s international culture during the entire month of May. Now in its fourth year, Passport DC invites participants to experience a global journey without leaving the city. Featuring street festivals, open houses, embassy events, special performances, and much more, Passport DC explores the international community that is a vital part of DC culture.
