Bridging the cultural links
Uvindu Illeperuma in Galle
  A team of Indonesian Batik experts also
visited Galle to train local Batik industrialists which was welcomed by
People in Galle in grand manner.
This kind of events would definitely promote
the diplomatic relationships as well as the cultural understanding among
other nations.
Bedya Mantan which is originally invented
exclusively as the performance during the royal wedding of Sor Sultan
Hamwngkubuwono ix (Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia in
1949 -1953).
Sesorengan is derived from the folk dance '
Soreng' from the Magelan city in the Central Java Province. The
choreography of Sesorengan dance combines the dynamic foot's moves of
the Soreng dance with those of classic Yogyakata dances.
Saman is one of traditional signatures of
the Gayo tribe in the Aceh Province, usually highlighting an important
occasion. It is performed by a group of dancers, sitting close in a
straight row and moving along a traditional chant, sung without music
instrument.
Blessed by the sea breeze which alleviates the sun rays molesting the
environs, Galle,one of the major cities located in the southern tip of
coastal belt, cuts its difference with its certain geographical
locations, people of different races and archaeological sites.
Edged by the sea and rampart, Galle is now dressed in a different
manner to welcome the influx of tourists beelining to Galle. In Galle it
is cultural festivals which are now the order of the day. Apart from
Galle Literary Festival, Galle is ready to attract people of other
nations to perform their indigenous arts.
The visit of an Indonesian cultural team to Galle was actually quite
promising. The team, patronised by the Indonesian Embassy, occupied the
stage at Halle de Galle entertaining people and adding a different
flavour to their aesthetic quest.
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Dance
items. Pictures by Mahinda Vithanachchi |
Speaking at the event, Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasooriya
said: "Galle is a quite good tourist attraction and then a destination
as well. Whenever an ambassador took oaths before the President they
make it a habit to visit Galle. Indonesian ambassador in Sri Lanka
Djafar Husein is also much impressed by the nature bestowed to Galle. So
he asked me whether they are allowed to have a cultural show in Galle.
Why not? We should allow them. Now I'm planning to have a cultural event
every month. I think it will further develop the rapport among the
people in the city of Galle, a melting pot."
"We, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, though two nations we have similar
characteristics. We were under the Colonial rule and so was Sri Lanka.
We use same word sometimes since we inherit them from Colonial rulers.
Our diplomatic relations trace back to late 1950s. It is my firm belief
that without having a good cultural understanding we cannot build trade
and political relationships. In this case we should convince the people
in Sri Lanka what our culture is and our people should know what Sri
Lankan culture is. That's why we are giving much priority to showcase
our culture. During the past 30 years time Sri Lanka had an internal
problem caused by the LTTE. Now Sri Lanka is free from terrorism. That's
why we are persuaded to organize this kind of events," said Indonesian
ambassador Djafar Husein . |
