‘Sri Lanka - the Wonder of Asia’ enchants Beijing
First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa speaking at the ‘Sri Lanka - the
Wonder of Asia’ cultural evening organized in Beijing, said that
cultural interactions provided a perfect setting to develop peace,
harmony and friendship between countries and also through this concert
and it was Sri Lanka’s intention to present to the people of Beijing a
glimpse of the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Sri Lanka.
Enchanting the guests with a glimpse of the wonders of Sri Lanka and
her timeless culture and civilization, this event was organized for the
4th consecutive year on March 10, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in
Beijing.
First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa speaking at the ‘Sri Lanka -
the Wonder of Asia’ Cultural Evening |
It was a celebration of the National Day of Sri Lanka and the 54th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the
People’s Republic of China.
Foreign Affairs Asstant Minister Hu Zhengyue, who represented the
Chinese Government on this occasion, commended the efforts taken by the
Government of Sri Lanka to further strengthen the close bilateral
relations between China and Sri Lanka.
The dance troupe of Channa - Upuli Performing Arts Foundation brought
to life the ancient and contemporary dance forms of Sri Lanka.
The delectable spice infused Sri Lanka cuisine served by the Chef
from the Colombo Hilton further enhanced the magic of the evening.
A display of Sri Lanka’s niche products, such as pure Ceylon Tea, Gem
stones and tropical fruits, were attractively arranged at the foyer
combined with displays from independent travel bloggers of China who
often educate the Chinese public about Sri Lanka on their blogs.
In recognition of the social and community services done by the All
China Women’s Federation and in appreciation of the remarkable support
extended by them to uplift the livelihoods of underprivileged Sri Lankan
women and children, the Sri Lanka Embassy presented a cash donation of
RMB50,000 to Meng Xiaosi, Vice President of the All China Women’s
Federation who was present at the occasion.
The evening was also used as a platform in recognizing the community
services done with the leadership of First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, by
presenting her charity organization Siriliya Saviya with US $ 50,000.
Apart from creating a positive atmosphere to enhance mutual
understanding and goodwill between people of both countries, the evening
was also a catalyst in imparting further positive momentum to the
consolidation of bilateral friendly ties between Sri Lanka and China.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama stated that
Sri Lanka, under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has now
embarked upon a multi pronged strategy initiating a series of
socio-economic development activities which would bring prosperity,
unity and harmony to the people of Sri Lanka. Adding that China was
featured prominently amongst many other friends of Sri Lanka.
He also thanked the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, SriLankan
Airlines and well-wishers for the assistance extended in presenting the
cultural evening.
The event was well represented by a distinguished gathering of over
500 special invitees comprising diplomats and senior officials of the
Chinese Government, the business community, tourism and Chinese media. |