[EVENT]

Sri Lankans celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Dubai

The Sri Lankan Cultural Centre under the patronage of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year at the Lathifa Ladies Club grounds in Dubai, recently.

A large gathering of Sri Lankan families in Dubai and Northern Emirates, as well as members of the Diplomatic community, took part in the celebrations. Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, Abdul Raheem, along with the Consul Generals of Australia, Thailand and Italy inaugurated the activities by lighting the oil lamp.

A number of traditional Sri Lankan games including Avurudu Kumariya, Avurudu Kumaraya, pillow fighting, coconut scraping, playing the rabana and, weaving coconut leaves contests and other events were held with many children keenly participating.

A performance with Sri Lankan cultural items and serving of authentic Sri Lankan food were highlights of the event. Foreign diplomats and their spouses were treated to Sri Lankan traditional culture and the music with colourful costumes worn by Sri Lankan children at the event and the celebrations offered an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka's traditional New Year activities among the expatriate community and well-wishers in Dubai.