Over 5,000 US nationals visit SL Embassy’s ‘open house’ in Washington DC
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC opened its doors to US nationals as part of Passport DC’s ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’ on May 4.
The open house launched under a special event, ‘Passport DC’ was organised by Events DC in partnership with over 55 foreign Missions based in Washington DC, including the Sri Lankan Embassy.
It is a month-long festival in May that pays tribute to Washington DC’s thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. As part of the festival, the first Saturday in May, the ‘International Cultural Awareness Month’ in Washington DC, is devoted to Embassy open houses.
Under guidance of Sri Lankan Ambassador in Washington DC Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Embassy made arrangements to promote Sri Lanka as an exciting tourist destination. A total of 5,037 US nationals, as officially verified by the organisers of the Passport DC, visited the Embassy during the event which was a record despite bad weather.
A photographic exhibition of over 80 colourful photographs titled ‘Beauty of Sri Lanka’ depicting the ancient cultural heritage, natural beauty with a special emphasis on wild life and the people of Sri Lanka, was presented by the ‘America – Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society in Los Angeles’.
The visitors were treated to traditional Sri Lankan hospitality and they were able to sample authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. They were also able to taste a variety of finger foods from Sri Lanka. This was provided with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The Embassy also offered all visitors a freshly brewed cup of hot or iced Ceylon Tea sponsored by Basilur (Sri Lanka) and QTrade Teas & Herbs (California, USA).
Traditional Sri Lankan dances and drums showcased the diversity of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. The performances were at regular intervals by students from four local academies.
In line with the theme of ‘Passport DC 2024’ which was music diplomacy, the Embassy made special arrangements for the ‘Serendib’ band led by Kutila Dias to entertain the crowd. He was joined by saxophonist D.I. Senarathne who performed at regular intervals.
Another highlight organised by the Embassy to mark the occasion was a photo opportunity for visitors clad in traditional Sri Lankan attire. Many American women queued up to drape themselves in Kandyan sarees, while the men tried on vivid batik sarongs and shirts. Sri Lankan handicrafts, Ceylon spices and tea were on display, sponsored by Sri Lankan-American vendors.
An art exhibition ‘Sri Lanka, through Lens and Brush’ was presented by two Sri Lankan-American hearing impaired artists Chetana Senadhira and Thushara T. Wijetilaka who shared their memories and experience of the beauty of Sri Lankan culture.
At the request of the Embassy, voluntary support was extended by the members of six Sri Lankan community-based associations in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia – The Sri Lanka Association of Washington DC, Sri Lanka Ranga Kala Kavaya, Kala Lanka Foundation, Ape Kattiya/American Sri Lankan Friendship Foundation, Bethesda Api and Hospital Services Council of Greater Washington Area.
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