Independence Day celebrations in UN

The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York will hold an exhibition of photographs “Sri Lanka through Visitor’s Eyes” by two American photographers Rena Bass Forman and John Beebe from February 4 to 8 at United Nations Headquarters as a part of the celebrations to mark the 60th Anniversary of Independence and National Day of Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, will host a Reception on February 4 at the UN to inaugurate the week long exhibition with the participation of senior UN officials and representatives of member States of the UN. The exhibition will focus on natural scenic beauty of Sri Lanka, heritage, culture, religious diversity and tolerance.

Rena Bass Forman describes her work as an attempt “to illuminate, in a poetic manner, the inner landscape of Sri Lanka as seen through its temples, trees, flowers, stone and water”. She speaks of her photographs as her “offerings for peace to the beautiful people of Sri Lanka”.

John Beebe, who has spent a year in Sri Lanka, brings out the theme of religious tolerance through his photographs - “spiritual life, in all its diverse forms. Rounded stupas, twirling spires, and chaotic kovils dot every landscape, often side by side.

Festivals crowd streets and chants fill the air at all times of day”, he says, and adds “fueling these celebrations is a sentiment far more delicately hewn than tolerance”.

On February 3, the Permanent Mission, together with the Sri Lankan-American community in the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, will hold religious observances followed by multi-cultural performances representing all communities in Sri Lanka.

This traditional community event marking the National Day will be held in a more festive atmosphere this year with greater community participation in celebration of 60 years of Independence.

California...

A Cultural Show with exotic dancing, special locals by Kalasuri Latha Walpola and a painting exhibition by artist Walter Kulasuriya will mark Sri Lanka’s Sixtieth Independence Celebrations at Long Beach, California on February 3 at 5:30 p.m. according to Consular General Jaliya Wickramasuriya.

A cultural show reflecting Sri Lanka’s 2500 year old history will be the highlight of the celebration.

Latha Walpola, and Malini Fonseka will be guest artists.

Walter Kulasuriya, a tsunami-affected artist from Southern Sri Lanka, will be exhibiting his paintings in the entry foyer between 4:30pm and 5:30pm.

Kulasuriya will use any donations received for his artwork to rebuild his destroyed art studio in Ahangama.

This celebration of independence will take place on Sunday, the February 3 at the California State University in Long beach, inside the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, #6200 Atherton Street, Long Beach, California.