Ambassador and Permanent Representative C.A. Chaminda I Colonne delivers a Special address at the “1st Asia Pacific E-Commerce Policy Summit” in New Delhi
At the invitation of Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand and Permanent Representative to United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), C. A. Chaminda I. Colonne recently delivered a Special Address in the Inaugural Session of the “1st Asia Pacific E-Commerce Policy Summit” which was jointly organized by ICRIER and United Nations ESCAP South and South West Asia Office in New Delhi, at the India Habitat Centre (IHC) in New Delhi.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, Chaminda Colonne Chairs the 80th Commission Session of the UNESCAP and launches “Cooperation with Impact – Launch of the Technical Cooperation Highlights 2022-2023”
Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, C. A. Chaminda I. Colonne, led the Sri Lanka Delegation to the 80th Commission Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, (UNESCAP) from 22nd to 26th April 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Leveraging digital innovation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific” and elected as a Vice Chair of the Bureau for the 80th Commission.
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
