Sri Lankans in Beijing celebrate Sinhala and Hindu New Year

The Embassy of Sri Lanka together with the 'Beijing- Lanka Youth Forum' joined hands with the Sri Lankan community in Beijing and surrounding cities in celebrating the Sinhala and Hindu New Year in a colourful event organised at the Embassy premises on the 9th of April.

The full day event attended by over 300 guests included the Sri Lankan community in Beijing, Sri Lankan University students in Beijing and Tianjin, the defence officials who are undergoing training in China as well as a number of well-wishers and Chinese friends of Sri Lanka.

The celebrations began with the hoisting of the National flag followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A two minute silence was observed paying tribute to the fallen heroes who largely contributed in safeguarding the motherland. A special Sannasa was also presented to the Charge d'affaires by the Beijing-Lanka Youth Forum, marking the opening of the New Year celebrations.

The traditional customs and games coupled with cultural items performed by the young and the old, added colour to the event. A Sri Lankan family living in Beijing portrayed performing of special Avurudu traditions in a model village home set up especially for the event, bringing back fond memories for all Sri Lankans away from family and friends. Kotta pora, kamba adeema, 'spotting-the-eye of the elephant' and Avurudu Kumara/Kumariya therima were some of the favourites among the many traditional games organised for the day.

The children who attended and the winners of various games were presented with New Year gifts. A series of volleyball games were also organised for everyone present to join in. In keeping with Sri Lankan tradition, all were treated to a sumptuous traditional breakfast and lunch with Avurudu sweetmeats and typical Sri Lankan dishes. It was remarkable to note that all Sri Lankans living in Beijing and Tianjing, keeping with the true spirit of this traditional festival, united as one nation, fostering friendship and brotherhood among the members of the community.

During his address the Charge d'affaires K.D.S. Ruwanchandra appreciated the efforts of the organisers in arranging the event, which depicted the traditional values among the Sinhala and Hindu communities of Sri Lanka, which would be passed down to the younger generation. He further stated that the Sinhala and Hindu New year coincides with the harvest season in Sri Lanka which ushers in prosperity to the nation and wished everyone a happy and a prosperous New Year filled with peace and harmony.