Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka attends 8th South and South-West Asia Forum on Sustainable Development in New Delhi
The Eighth South and South-West Asia Forum on Sustainable Development has taken place in New Delhi, India from 11th to 12th November 2024, co-hosted by the NITI Aayog of the Government of India and Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator, with a strong call for renewed commitment, accelerated efforts and innovative solutions to meet development ambitions. The Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe was invited to attend the forum.
Promoting Buddhist Religious Tourism: Sri Lanka and Thailand Collaborate on ‘Solosmastana’ Documentary
The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Public Broadcasting Service of Thailand (Thai PBS), are producing a documentary on ‘Solosmastana’, featuring the 16 sacred religious sites of Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to strengthen Buddhist religious tourism between the two nations, highlighting shared cultural and spiritual heritage.
The Sri Lanka Army cultural troupe led by Cpt. AjithRuwanpura, comprising of 7 performers; Ms. AnushiErandika, Ms. NisansalaDilhani, Mr. PreethiViraj, Mr. Udaya Kumara, Mr. Lasantha Kumara, Ms. MalkaDileshi and Ms. DiliniErandikademonstratedvibrant and colourful dances based on the traditional Kandyan (up country), low Country dance forms, drum beats and traditional vocals and melodies.
Welcoming the gathering Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand Mrs. Samantha K. Jayasuriya said that according to the historical records, Sri Lankan dancing and drumming has been practiced at least for 800 year. There had approximately 35 types of drums been used in Sri Lanka,and the ‘Waves of Rhythm’ performances included the traditional ceremonial drums- called ‘Hevisi’, which is used in the Temple of the Scared Tooth Relic, two popular ‘Wannams’- depicting the majestic movements of the Elephant, called ‘GajagaWannama’, and the flamboyant characters of the peacock, called the ‘MayuraWannama’. Displaying the acrobatic prowess and vibrancy, the performers brought to the stage the traditional dance forms ‘Ves’,and the costumes depict the god of Sun, and ‘Thelme’, isa pure classical and rhythmical dance from the low country, entertaining the audience. Invoking the blessings of the Triple Gem and the benevolent spirits over the audience, the cosmic performance ‘SaluPalia’ -a low country ritualistic dance form engaged the entire audience. The culmination of the event was the drum orchestration that showcased the skills of the performers on five main types of drums along with the bells and flutes.
The event was graced by the diplomatic corps in Bangkok, media, well wishers, university students, Thai and Sri Lankan communitywhere they were able to get some insight of Sri Lanka as a ‘must visit’ travel destination.Videos on Sri Lankan popular travel destinations and hotels were played during the event and brochures from Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) to raise awareness on Sri Lanka. The participants also joined for a reception that gave a taste of Sri Lanka with its world famous ‘Ceylon Tea’ and Sri Lankan snacks.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
20 January 2020
