Cultural events for President’s swearing-in

By Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Government Information Department for various activities to coincide with President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s swearing-in ceremony for his second term on November 19.

These activities would be conducted from November 17 to 20 in and around the Independence Square.

Minister of Media and Information, Keheliya Rambukwella said that one of the highlights of the event would be the preparation of the world’s largest milk rice dish on November 17.

This would be 7,000 kg of milk rice and 65,000 people would be able to enjoy it. He said that though Sri Lanka has a national tree, flower and a sport, there is no national food and they hope to name milk rice as the national food from November 18.

Another highlight would be the Food Street which would showcase the traditional food consumed by the six communities in Sri Lanka including the Veddah community.

The Food Street coordinated by chefs from six five-star hotels in Colombo would be open from the 17 to 20 midnight and the main objective is to provide five-star food at nominal rates.

A cultural event titled Nidahasa too would be conducted at the Independence Square alongside the Food Street.

A photographic exhibition too would be held with several unpublished photographs taken by the Government Information Department from 1848 on display.

The re-launch of INFO TV by the Government Film Unit too would take place on November 17, it would be beamed all over the world. A traditional dance display with 225 drummers and a school band contest too would be held. Local ayurveda skills too would be on display during the period.

A mini Wonder World for kids would be another event to be held during the period at Independence Square.

Five books would be launched and daily musical shows would be held.

The first ever Fashion Design Degree in Sri Lanka will also hold a gala fashion show for the first time for the public at 7.00 pm each day from November 17 to 20 at Independence Square.

The Gala Fashion Show would showcase the 20 best collections that portray a range of six outfits designed, created and manufactured by the students. They would be displayed on the catwalk by professional models at the fashion show. Responding to an urgent need in the apparel export industry, the University of Moratuwa, Department of Textile and Clothing Technology commenced this four year full-time Bachelor of Design Degree in Fashion Design and Product Development in 2001.

The students come from different parts of the country and take advantage of the fashion design education which is offered free.